<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Toppan Merrill Bridge  10.10.0.1 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 5/20/2025 10:53:58 AM-->
<!--Modified on: 5/20/2025 10:53:58 AM-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#StatementConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInEquity" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInEquity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfMaterialAccountingPoliciesDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfMaterialAccountingPoliciesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureCapitalRiskManagementAndFairValueMeasurementsFairValueEstimationDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureCapitalRiskManagementAndFairValueMeasurementsFairValueEstimationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingSummarizedFinancialInformationDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingSummarizedFinancialInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingItemsIncludedInMeasureOfAdjustedEbitdaDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingItemsIncludedInMeasureOfAdjustedEbitdaDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingReconciliationOfInformationOnReportableSegmentsToAmountsReportedInFinancialStatementsDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingReconciliationOfInformationOnReportableSegmentsToAmountsReportedInFinancialStatementsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingSummarizedSegmentAssetsAndLiabilitiesAndAdditionsDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingSummarizedSegmentAssetsAndLiabilitiesAndAdditionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingMajorCustomersDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingMajorCustomersDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureCostOfSalesDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureCostOfSalesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureAdministrativeExpensesDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureAdministrativeExpensesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureTaxationDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureTaxationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNotionalAmountDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNotionalAmountDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsFairValueDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsFairValueDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsChangeInFairValueOfDerivativeInstrumentsDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsChangeInFairValueOfDerivativeInstrumentsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureTradeAndOtherReceivablesDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureTradeAndOtherReceivablesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureBorrowingsDebtClassificationDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureBorrowingsDebtClassificationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureBorrowingsDebtInstrumentDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureBorrowingsDebtInstrumentDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureLeaseLiabilitiesContractualMaturitiesDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureLeaseLiabilitiesContractualMaturitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureStatedCapitalDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureStatedCapitalDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureEventsAfterReportingPeriodDetails" roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureEventsAfterReportingPeriodDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureStandardAndCustomAxisDomainDefaults" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#DisclosureStandardAndCustomAxisDomainDefaults" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://www.esma.europa.eu/xbrl/esef/arcrole/wider-narrower" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/arcrole/esma-arcrole-2018-11-21.xsd#wider-narrower" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureStandardAndCustomAxisDomainDefaults" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99900 - Disclosure - Standard And Custom Axis Domain Defaults">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MaturityAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MaturityAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_MaturityAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MaturityDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MaturityDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_AggregatedTimeBandsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MaturityAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_MaturityDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_MaturityAxis_1 To ifrs-full_AggregatedTimeBandsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_LineItemsByFunctionMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis_1 To ifrs-full_LineItemsByFunctionMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAxis_1 To ifrs-full_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillAxis_1 To ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BusinessCombinationsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BusinessCombinationsAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_BusinessCombinationsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BusinessCombinationsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BusinessCombinationsDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForBusinessCombinationsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BusinessCombinationsAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BusinessCombinationsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_BusinessCombinationsAxis_1 To ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForBusinessCombinationsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillAxis_1 To ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CarryingAmountMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CarryingAmountMember_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_CarryingAmountMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CarryingAmountMember_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis_1 To ifrs-full_CarryingAmountMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BiologicalAssetsByAgeAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BiologicalAssetsByAgeAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_BiologicalAssetsByAgeAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BiologicalAssetsByAgeDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BiologicalAssetsByAgeDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_BiologicalAssetsAgeMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BiologicalAssetsByAgeAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BiologicalAssetsByAgeDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_BiologicalAssetsByAgeAxis_1 To ifrs-full_BiologicalAssetsAgeMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsMaterialToEntityAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsMaterialToEntityAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsMaterialToEntityAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsMaterialToEntityDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsMaterialToEntityDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsMaterialToEntityMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsMaterialToEntityAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsMaterialToEntityDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsMaterialToEntityAxis_1 To ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsMaterialToEntityMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_LevelsOfFairValueHierarchyAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_LevelsOfFairValueHierarchyAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_LevelsOfFairValueHierarchyAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_LevelsOfFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_LevelsOfFairValueHierarchyDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_AllLevelsOfFairValueHierarchyMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_LevelsOfFairValueHierarchyAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_LevelsOfFairValueHierarchyDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_LevelsOfFairValueHierarchyAxis_1 To ifrs-full_AllLevelsOfFairValueHierarchyMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_TemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_TemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_TemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsAxis_1 To ifrs-full_TemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForRelatedPartiesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesAxis_1 To ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForRelatedPartiesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis_1" xlink:title="dei_LegalEntityAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_1" xlink:title="dei_EntityDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis_1" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:dei_LegalEntityAxis_1 To dei_EntityDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfOrdinarySharesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfOrdinarySharesAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ClassesOfOrdinarySharesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfOrdinarySharesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfOrdinarySharesDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_OrdinarySharesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfOrdinarySharesAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfOrdinarySharesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ClassesOfOrdinarySharesAxis_1 To ifrs-full_OrdinarySharesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_StatementScenarioAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1" xlink:title="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis_1" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_StatementScenarioAxis_1 To srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TypesOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TypesOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementsAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_TypesOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TypesOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TypesOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementsDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_SharebasedPaymentArrangementsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TypesOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementsAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TypesOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_TypesOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementsAxis_1 To ifrs-full_SharebasedPaymentArrangementsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RangeAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RangeAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_RangeAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RangeDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RangeDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_RangesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_RangeAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RangeDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_RangeAxis_1 To ifrs-full_RangesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ConsolidatedAndSeparateFinancialStatementsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ConsolidatedAndSeparateFinancialStatementsAxis" xlink:title="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ConsolidatedMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ConsolidatedMember" xlink:title="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ConsolidatedAndSeparateFinancialStatementsAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ConsolidatedMember" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1 To srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ReservesWithinEquityAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ReservesWithinEquityAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ReservesWithinEquityAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ReservesWithinEquityDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ReservesWithinEquityDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_OtherReservesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ReservesWithinEquityAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ReservesWithinEquityDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ReservesWithinEquityAxis_1 To ifrs-full_OtherReservesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_EquityMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityAxis_1 To ifrs-full_EquityMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis_1 To ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CurrencyAxis" xlink:label="srt_CurrencyAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_CurrencyAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2024/currency-2024.xsd#currency_AllCurrenciesDomain" xlink:label="currency_AllCurrenciesDomain_1" xlink:title="currency_AllCurrenciesDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_CurrencyAxis_1" xlink:to="currency_AllCurrenciesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_CurrencyAxis_1 To currency_AllCurrenciesDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_InterestRateTypesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesAxis_1 To ifrs-full_InterestRateTypesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IfrsCreditRatingFitchAxis" xlink:label="ihs_IfrsCreditRatingFitchAxis_1" xlink:title="ihs_IfrsCreditRatingFitchAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IfrsExternalCreditRatingFitchDomain" xlink:label="ihs_IfrsExternalCreditRatingFitchDomain_1" xlink:title="ihs_IfrsExternalCreditRatingFitchDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ihs_IfrsCreditRatingFitchAxis_1" xlink:to="ihs_IfrsExternalCreditRatingFitchDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ihs_IfrsCreditRatingFitchAxis_1 To ihs_IfrsExternalCreditRatingFitchDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_SegmentsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis_1 To ifrs-full_SegmentsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_GeographicalAreasAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_GeographicalAreasAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_GeographicalAreasAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_GeographicalAreasDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_GeographicalAreasDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_GeographicalAreasMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_GeographicalAreasAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_GeographicalAreasDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_GeographicalAreasAxis_1 To ifrs-full_GeographicalAreasMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_DeferredTaxExpiryPeriodAxis" xlink:label="ihs_DeferredTaxExpiryPeriodAxis_1" xlink:title="ihs_DeferredTaxExpiryPeriodAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_DeferredTaxExpiryPeriodDomain" xlink:label="ihs_DeferredTaxExpiryPeriodDomain_1" xlink:title="ihs_DeferredTaxExpiryPeriodDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ihs_DeferredTaxExpiryPeriodAxis_1" xlink:to="ihs_DeferredTaxExpiryPeriodDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ihs_DeferredTaxExpiryPeriodAxis_1 To ihs_DeferredTaxExpiryPeriodDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IfrsPlanNameAxis" xlink:label="ihs_IfrsPlanNameAxis_1" xlink:title="ihs_IfrsPlanNameAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IfrsPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ihs_IfrsPlanNameDomain_1" xlink:title="ihs_IfrsPlanNameDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ihs_IfrsPlanNameAxis_1" xlink:to="ihs_IfrsPlanNameDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ihs_IfrsPlanNameAxis_1 To ihs_IfrsPlanNameDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialAssetsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialAssetsAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialAssetsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialAssetsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialAssetsDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_FinancialAssetsCategoryMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialAssetsAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialAssetsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialAssetsAxis_1 To ifrs-full_FinancialAssetsCategoryMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis_1 To ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ValuationTechniquesUsedInFairValueMeasurementAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ValuationTechniquesUsedInFairValueMeasurementAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ValuationTechniquesUsedInFairValueMeasurementAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ValuationTechniquesUsedInFairValueMeasurementDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ValuationTechniquesUsedInFairValueMeasurementDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ValuationTechniquesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ValuationTechniquesUsedInFairValueMeasurementAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ValuationTechniquesUsedInFairValueMeasurementDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ValuationTechniquesUsedInFairValueMeasurementAxis_1 To ifrs-full_ValuationTechniquesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_UnobservableInputsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_UnobservableInputsAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_UnobservableInputsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_UnobservableInputsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_UnobservableInputsDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_UnobservableInputsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_UnobservableInputsAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_UnobservableInputsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_UnobservableInputsAxis_1 To ifrs-full_UnobservableInputsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_FinancialLiabilitiesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis_1 To ifrs-full_FinancialLiabilitiesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialAssetsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialAssetsAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialAssetsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialAssetsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialAssetsDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_FinancialAssetsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialAssetsAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialAssetsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialAssetsAxis_1 To ifrs-full_FinancialAssetsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialLiabilitiesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialLiabilitiesDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_FinancialLiabilitiesCategoryMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialLiabilitiesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_CategoriesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis_1 To ifrs-full_FinancialLiabilitiesCategoryMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_PastDueStatusAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_PastDueStatusAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_PastDueStatusAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_PastDueStatusDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_PastDueStatusDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_PastDueStatusMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_PastDueStatusAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_PastDueStatusDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_PastDueStatusAxis_1 To ifrs-full_PastDueStatusMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_InternalCreditGradesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_InternalCreditGradesAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_InternalCreditGradesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_InternalCreditGradesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_InternalCreditGradesDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForInternalCreditGradesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_InternalCreditGradesAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_InternalCreditGradesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_InternalCreditGradesAxis_1 To ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForInternalCreditGradesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForSubsidiariesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesAxis_1 To ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForSubsidiariesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_RangeAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_1" xlink:title="srt_RangeMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_1" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_RangeAxis_1 To srt_RangeMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TypesOfRisksAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TypesOfRisksAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_TypesOfRisksAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TypesOfRisksDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TypesOfRisksDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_TypesOfRisksMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TypesOfRisksAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TypesOfRisksDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_TypesOfRisksAxis_1 To ifrs-full_TypesOfRisksMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IfrsConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="ihs_IfrsConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1" xlink:title="ihs_IfrsConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IfrsConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="ihs_IfrsConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_1" xlink:title="ihs_IfrsConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ihs_IfrsConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1" xlink:to="ihs_IfrsConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ihs_IfrsConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1 To ihs_IfrsConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ExternalCreditGradesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ExternalCreditGradesAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ExternalCreditGradesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ExternalCreditGradesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ExternalCreditGradesDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForExternalCreditGradesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ExternalCreditGradesAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ExternalCreditGradesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ExternalCreditGradesAxis_1 To ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForExternalCreditGradesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MajorCustomersAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_MajorCustomersAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MajorCustomersDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MajorCustomersDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_MajorCustomersMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MajorCustomersAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_MajorCustomersDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_MajorCustomersAxis_1 To ifrs-full_MajorCustomersMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MeasurementAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MeasurementAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_MeasurementAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MeasurementDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MeasurementDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_AggregatedMeasurementMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MeasurementAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_MeasurementDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_MeasurementAxis_1 To ifrs-full_AggregatedMeasurementMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TypesOfContractsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TypesOfContractsAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_TypesOfContractsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TypesOfContractsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TypesOfContractsDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_TypesOfContractsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TypesOfContractsAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TypesOfContractsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_TypesOfContractsAxis_1 To ifrs-full_TypesOfContractsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfProvisionsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfProvisionsAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ClassesOfProvisionsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfOtherProvisionsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfOtherProvisionsDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_OtherProvisionsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfProvisionsAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfOtherProvisionsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ClassesOfProvisionsAxis_1 To ifrs-full_OtherProvisionsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CounterpartiesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CounterpartiesAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_CounterpartiesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CounterpartiesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CounterpartiesDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_CounterpartiesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_CounterpartiesAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CounterpartiesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_CounterpartiesAxis_1 To ifrs-full_CounterpartiesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodAxis_1 To ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfShareCapitalAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfShareCapitalAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ClassesOfShareCapitalAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfShareCapitalDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfShareCapitalDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ClassesOfShareCapitalMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfShareCapitalAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfShareCapitalDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ClassesOfShareCapitalAxis_1 To ifrs-full_ClassesOfShareCapitalMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_1" xlink:title="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_1" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_1 To srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_EntityAddressesAddressTypeAxis" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressesAddressTypeAxis_1" xlink:title="dei_EntityAddressesAddressTypeAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2024/dei-2024.xsd#dei_AddressTypeDomain" xlink:label="dei_AddressTypeDomain_1" xlink:title="dei_AddressTypeDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="dei_EntityAddressesAddressTypeAxis_1" xlink:to="dei_AddressTypeDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:dei_EntityAddressesAddressTypeAxis_1 To dei_AddressTypeDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RetrospectiveApplicationAndRetrospectiveRestatementAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RetrospectiveApplicationAndRetrospectiveRestatementAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_RetrospectiveApplicationAndRetrospectiveRestatementAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RestatedMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RestatedMember_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_RestatedMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_RetrospectiveApplicationAndRetrospectiveRestatementAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RestatedMember_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_RetrospectiveApplicationAndRetrospectiveRestatementAxis_1 To ifrs-full_RestatedMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_OwnershipAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipDomain_1" xlink:title="srt_OwnershipDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipAxis_1" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_OwnershipAxis_1 To srt_OwnershipDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:label="srt_RestatementAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_RestatementAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="srt_RestatementDomain_1" xlink:title="srt_RestatementDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_RestatementAxis_1" xlink:to="srt_RestatementDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_RestatementAxis_1 To srt_RestatementDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_AdjustmentsToProvisionalAmountsOfFairValueOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInBusinessCombinationsAxis" xlink:label="ihs_AdjustmentsToProvisionalAmountsOfFairValueOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInBusinessCombinationsAxis_1" xlink:title="ihs_AdjustmentsToProvisionalAmountsOfFairValueOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInBusinessCombinationsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_AmountsAfterAdjustmentsOfProvisionalAmountsDomain" xlink:label="ihs_AmountsAfterAdjustmentsOfProvisionalAmountsDomain_1" xlink:title="ihs_AmountsAfterAdjustmentsOfProvisionalAmountsDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ihs_AdjustmentsToProvisionalAmountsOfFairValueOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInBusinessCombinationsAxis_1" xlink:to="ihs_AmountsAfterAdjustmentsOfProvisionalAmountsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ihs_AdjustmentsToProvisionalAmountsOfFairValueOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInBusinessCombinationsAxis_1 To ihs_AmountsAfterAdjustmentsOfProvisionalAmountsDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForCashgeneratingUnitsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesAxis_1 To ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForCashgeneratingUnitsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_CreditRatingFitchAxis" xlink:label="srt_CreditRatingFitchAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_CreditRatingFitchAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember" xlink:label="srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember_1" xlink:title="srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_CreditRatingFitchAxis_1" xlink:to="srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_CreditRatingFitchAxis_1 To srt_ExternalCreditRatingFitchMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_AssetAcquisitionAxisAxis" xlink:label="ihs_AssetAcquisitionAxisAxis_1" xlink:title="ihs_AssetAcquisitionAxisAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_EntitySTotalForAssetAcquisitionsDomain" xlink:label="ihs_EntitySTotalForAssetAcquisitionsDomain_1" xlink:title="ihs_EntitySTotalForAssetAcquisitionsDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ihs_AssetAcquisitionAxisAxis_1" xlink:to="ihs_EntitySTotalForAssetAcquisitionsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ihs_AssetAcquisitionAxisAxis_1 To ihs_EntitySTotalForAssetAcquisitionsDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForAssociatesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis_1 To ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForAssociatesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfContingentLiabilitiesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfContingentLiabilitiesAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ClassesOfContingentLiabilitiesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfContingentLiabilitiesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfContingentLiabilitiesDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ContingentLiabilitiesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfContingentLiabilitiesAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfContingentLiabilitiesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ClassesOfContingentLiabilitiesAxis_1 To ifrs-full_ContingentLiabilitiesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis_1 To ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSaleAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSaleAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_AssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSaleAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AssetsAndLiabilitiesNotClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AssetsAndLiabilitiesNotClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_AssetsAndLiabilitiesNotClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_AssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSaleAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AssetsAndLiabilitiesNotClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_AssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSaleAxis_1 To ifrs-full_AssetsAndLiabilitiesNotClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfLiabilitiesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfLiabilitiesAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_ClassesOfLiabilitiesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfLiabilitiesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfLiabilitiesDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_LiabilitiesMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfLiabilitiesAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfLiabilitiesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_ClassesOfLiabilitiesAxis_1 To ifrs-full_LiabilitiesMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_ShareRepurchaseProgramsAxis" xlink:label="ihs_ShareRepurchaseProgramsAxis_1" xlink:title="ihs_ShareRepurchaseProgramsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_ShareRepurchaseProgramsDomain" xlink:label="ihs_ShareRepurchaseProgramsDomain_1" xlink:title="ihs_ShareRepurchaseProgramsDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ihs_ShareRepurchaseProgramsAxis_1" xlink:to="ihs_ShareRepurchaseProgramsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ihs_ShareRepurchaseProgramsAxis_1 To ihs_ShareRepurchaseProgramsDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_1" xlink:title="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_1 To srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForIndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsMember_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsAxis_1 To ifrs-full_EntitysTotalForIndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsMember_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:label="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:label="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_1" xlink:title="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_1" xlink:to="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_1 To srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_HedgingInstrumentsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_HedgingInstrumentsAxis_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_HedgingInstrumentsAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_HedgingInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_HedgingInstrumentsDomain_1" xlink:title="ifrs-full_HedgingInstrumentsDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="ifrs-full_HedgingInstrumentsAxis_1" xlink:to="ifrs-full_HedgingInstrumentsDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:ifrs-full_HedgingInstrumentsAxis_1 To ifrs-full_HedgingInstrumentsDomain_1" order="1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_1" xlink:title="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_1" />
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_1" xlink:title="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_1" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_1" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_1" use="optional" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:title="definition:srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_1 To srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_1" order="1" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInEquity" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00300 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_EquityAttributableToOwnersOfParentMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_EquityAttributableToOwnersOfParentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_EquityAttributableToOwnersOfParentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumMember" xlink:label="ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_EquityAttributableToOwnersOfParentMember" xlink:to="ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RetainedEarningsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_EquityAttributableToOwnersOfParentMember" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RetainedEarningsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_OtherReservesMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_OtherReservesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_EquityAttributableToOwnersOfParentMember" xlink:to="ifrs-full_OtherReservesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NoncontrollingInterestsMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NoncontrollingInterestsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_NoncontrollingInterestsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_Equity" xlink:label="ifrs-full_Equity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_Equity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughExerciseOfOptions" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughExerciseOfOptions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughExerciseOfOptions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughSharebasedPaymentTransactions" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughSharebasedPaymentTransactions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughSharebasedPaymentTransactions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughTransactionsWithOwners" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughTransactionsWithOwners" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughTransactionsWithOwners" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ProfitLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ProfitLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_OtherComprehensiveIncome" xlink:label="ifrs-full_OtherComprehensiveIncome" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_OtherComprehensiveIncome" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ComprehensiveIncome" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ComprehensiveIncome" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="ifrs-full_StatementOfChangesInEquityLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ComprehensiveIncome" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfMaterialAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40201 - Disclosure - Summary of material accounting policies (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_TowersAndTowerEquipmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_TowersAndTowerEquipmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDomain" xlink:to="ihs_TowersAndTowerEquipmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_NumberOfTowersConvertedFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentThroughBusinessCombination" xlink:label="ihs_NumberOfTowersConvertedFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentThroughBusinessCombination" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_NumberOfTowersConvertedFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentThroughBusinessCombination" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_NumberOfTowerRelatedLandAssetsConvertedFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentThroughBusinessCombination" xlink:label="ihs_NumberOfTowerRelatedLandAssetsConvertedFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentThroughBusinessCombination" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_NumberOfTowerRelatedLandAssetsConvertedFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentThroughBusinessCombination" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughTransfersPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughTransfersPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughTransfersPropertyPlantAndEquipment" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughTransfersRightofuseAssets" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughTransfersRightofuseAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughTransfersRightofuseAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_GainsLossesRecognisedOnReclassificationFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="ihs_GainsLossesRecognisedOnReclassificationFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_GainsLossesRecognisedOnReclassificationFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipment" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureCapitalRiskManagementAndFairValueMeasurementsFairValueEstimationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40402 - Disclosure - Capital risk management and fair value measurements - Fair value estimation (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNatureAndExtentOfRisksArisingFromFinancialInstrumentsTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNatureAndExtentOfRisksArisingFromFinancialInstrumentsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNatureAndExtentOfRisksArisingFromFinancialInstrumentsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_BankAndBondBorrowingsMember" xlink:label="ihs_BankAndBondBorrowingsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesDomain" xlink:to="ihs_BankAndBondBorrowingsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MeasurementAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MeasurementAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNatureAndExtentOfRisksArisingFromFinancialInstrumentsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_MeasurementAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MeasurementDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MeasurementDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MeasurementAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_MeasurementDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NotMeasuredAtFairValueInStatementOfFinancialPositionButForWhichFairValueIsDisclosedMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NotMeasuredAtFairValueInStatementOfFinancialPositionButForWhichFairValueIsDisclosedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MeasurementDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_NotMeasuredAtFairValueInStatementOfFinancialPositionButForWhichFairValueIsDisclosedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNatureAndExtentOfRisksArisingFromFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNatureAndExtentOfRisksArisingFromFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNatureAndExtentOfRisksArisingFromFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNatureAndExtentOfRisksArisingFromFinancialInstrumentsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_FinancialLiabilities" xlink:label="ifrs-full_FinancialLiabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNatureAndExtentOfRisksArisingFromFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_FinancialLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_FinancialLiabilitiesAtFairValue" xlink:label="ifrs-full_FinancialLiabilitiesAtFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNatureAndExtentOfRisksArisingFromFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_FinancialLiabilitiesAtFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingSummarizedFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40501 - Disclosure - Segment reporting - Summarized financial information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_NigeriaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_NigeriaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_NigeriaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_SsaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_SsaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_SsaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_LatinAmericaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_LatinAmericaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_LatinAmericaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_MiddleEastAndNorthernAfricaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_MiddleEastAndNorthernAfricaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_MiddleEastAndNorthernAfricaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_EliminationOfIntersegmentAmountsMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_EliminationOfIntersegmentAmountsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_EliminationOfIntersegmentAmountsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IfrsNumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="ihs_IfrsNumberOfOperatingSegments" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_IfrsNumberOfOperatingSegments" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_Revenue" xlink:label="ifrs-full_Revenue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_Revenue" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_AdjustedEbitda" xlink:label="ihs_AdjustedEbitda" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_AdjustedEbitda" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingItemsIncludedInMeasureOfAdjustedEbitdaDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40502 - Disclosure - Segment reporting - Items included in measure of adjusted EBITDA (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_NigeriaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_NigeriaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_NigeriaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_SsaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_SsaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_SsaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_LatinAmericaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_LatinAmericaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_LatinAmericaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_MiddleEastAndNorthernAfricaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_MiddleEastAndNorthernAfricaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_MiddleEastAndNorthernAfricaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_PowerGenerationExpenseIncludedInMeasurementOfAdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="ihs_PowerGenerationExpenseIncludedInMeasurementOfAdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_PowerGenerationExpenseIncludedInMeasurementOfAdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_EmployeeBenefitsExpenseIncludedInMeasurementOfAdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="ihs_EmployeeBenefitsExpenseIncludedInMeasurementOfAdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_EmployeeBenefitsExpenseIncludedInMeasurementOfAdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_TowerRepairsAndMaintenanceExpenseIncludedInMeasurementOfAdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="ihs_TowerRepairsAndMaintenanceExpenseIncludedInMeasurementOfAdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_TowerRepairsAndMaintenanceExpenseIncludedInMeasurementOfAdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortization" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingReconciliationOfInformationOnReportableSegmentsToAmountsReportedInFinancialStatementsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40503 - Disclosure - Segment reporting - Reconciliation of information on reportable segments to the amounts reported in the financial statements (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_TotalForDisclosedSegmentsMember" xlink:label="ihs_TotalForDisclosedSegmentsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_TotalForDisclosedSegmentsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_SsaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_SsaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ihs_TotalForDisclosedSegmentsMember" xlink:to="ihs_SsaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_MiddleEastAndNorthernAfricaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_MiddleEastAndNorthernAfricaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ihs_TotalForDisclosedSegmentsMember" xlink:to="ihs_MiddleEastAndNorthernAfricaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CostOfSalesMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CostOfSalesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CostOfSalesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_AdjustedEbitda" xlink:label="ihs_AdjustedEbitda" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_AdjustedEbitda" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_FinanceCosts" xlink:label="ifrs-full_FinanceCosts" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_FinanceCosts" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DepreciationAndAmortisationExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DepreciationAndAmortisationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DepreciationAndAmortisationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ExpenseFromSharebasedPaymentTransactionsInWhichGoodsOrServicesReceivedDidNotQualifyForRecognitionAsAssets" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ExpenseFromSharebasedPaymentTransactionsInWhichGoodsOrServicesReceivedDidNotQualifyForRecognitionAsAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ExpenseFromSharebasedPaymentTransactionsInWhichGoodsOrServicesReceivedDidNotQualifyForRecognitionAsAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_OtherExpenseByNature" xlink:label="ifrs-full_OtherExpenseByNature" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_OtherExpenseByNature" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_ImpairmentLossOnPropertyPlantAndEquipmentIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillAndPrepaidLandRent" xlink:label="ihs_ImpairmentLossOnPropertyPlantAndEquipmentIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillAndPrepaidLandRent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_ImpairmentLossOnPropertyPlantAndEquipmentIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillAndPrepaidLandRent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnDisposalsOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnDisposalsOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnDisposalsOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AcquisitionrelatedCostsRecognisedAsExpenseForTransactionRecognisedSeparatelyFromAcquisitionOfAssetsAndAssumptionOfLiabilitiesInBusinessCombination" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AcquisitionrelatedCostsRecognisedAsExpenseForTransactionRecognisedSeparatelyFromAcquisitionOfAssetsAndAssumptionOfLiabilitiesInBusinessCombination" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AcquisitionrelatedCostsRecognisedAsExpenseForTransactionRecognisedSeparatelyFromAcquisitionOfAssetsAndAssumptionOfLiabilitiesInBusinessCombination" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IncomeFromInsuranceClaims" xlink:label="ihs_IncomeFromInsuranceClaims" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_IncomeFromInsuranceClaims" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_ImpairmentOfWithholdingTaxReceivables" xlink:label="ihs_ImpairmentOfWithholdingTaxReceivables" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_ImpairmentOfWithholdingTaxReceivables" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_FinanceIncome" xlink:label="ifrs-full_FinanceIncome" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_FinanceIncome" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossGoodwill" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossGoodwill" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossGoodwill" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_UnallocatedCorporateExpenses" xlink:label="ihs_UnallocatedCorporateExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_UnallocatedCorporateExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AdjustmentsForGainLossOnDisposalsPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AdjustmentsForGainLossOnDisposalsPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AdjustmentsForGainLossOnDisposalsPropertyPlantAndEquipment" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ProfitLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ProfitLossBeforeTax" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ProfitLossBeforeTax" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_Assets" xlink:label="ifrs-full_Assets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_Assets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_Liabilities" xlink:label="ifrs-full_Liabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="18" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_Liabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_CostsRelatedToInternalReorganization" xlink:label="ihs_CostsRelatedToInternalReorganization" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="19" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_CostsRelatedToInternalReorganization" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_ExpensesRelatedToStrategicInitiativesAndOperatingSystems" xlink:label="ihs_ExpensesRelatedToStrategicInitiativesAndOperatingSystems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="20" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_ExpensesRelatedToStrategicInitiativesAndOperatingSystems" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_ProfessionalCostsRelatedToFinancing" xlink:label="ihs_ProfessionalCostsRelatedToFinancing" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="21" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_ProfessionalCostsRelatedToFinancing" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingSummarizedSegmentAssetsAndLiabilitiesAndAdditionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40504 - Disclosure - Segment reporting - Summarized segment assets and liabilities and additions (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_NigeriaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_NigeriaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_NigeriaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_SsaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_SsaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_SsaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_LatinAmericaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_LatinAmericaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_LatinAmericaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_MiddleEastAndNorthernAfricaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_MiddleEastAndNorthernAfricaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_MiddleEastAndNorthernAfricaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_Assets" xlink:label="ifrs-full_Assets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_Assets" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_Liabilities" xlink:label="ifrs-full_Liabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_Liabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AdditionsToNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AdditionsToNoncurrentAssets" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AdditionsToNoncurrentAssets" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingMajorCustomersDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40505 - Disclosure - Segment reporting - Major customers (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MajorCustomersAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_MajorCustomersAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MajorCustomersDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MajorCustomersDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_MajorCustomersDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_CustomerMember" xlink:label="ihs_CustomerMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MajorCustomersDomain" xlink:to="ihs_CustomerMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_CustomerBMember" xlink:label="ihs_CustomerBMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MajorCustomersDomain" xlink:to="ihs_CustomerBMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_NumberOfMajorCustomers" xlink:label="ihs_NumberOfMajorCustomers" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_NumberOfMajorCustomers" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_PercentageOfEntitysRevenue" xlink:label="ifrs-full_PercentageOfEntitysRevenue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_PercentageOfEntitysRevenue" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureCostOfSalesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40601 - Disclosure - Cost of sales (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CostOfSalesMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CostOfSalesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CostOfSalesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_EnergyExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_EnergyExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_EnergyExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DepreciationExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DepreciationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DepreciationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RepairsAndMaintenanceExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RepairsAndMaintenanceExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RepairsAndMaintenanceExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AmortisationExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AmortisationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AmortisationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_EmployeeBenefitsExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_EmployeeBenefitsExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_EmployeeBenefitsExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RegulatoryFees" xlink:label="ihs_RegulatoryFees" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_RegulatoryFees" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_SecurityServicesExpense" xlink:label="ihs_SecurityServicesExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_SecurityServicesExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_ImpairmentLossOnPropertyPlantAndEquipmentIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillAndPrepaidLandRent" xlink:label="ihs_ImpairmentLossOnPropertyPlantAndEquipmentIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillAndPrepaidLandRent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_ImpairmentLossOnPropertyPlantAndEquipmentIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwillAndPrepaidLandRent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TravelExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TravelExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TravelExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_InsuranceExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_InsuranceExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_InsuranceExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_VehicleMaintenanceAndRepairExpense" xlink:label="ihs_VehicleMaintenanceAndRepairExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_VehicleMaintenanceAndRepairExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ProfessionalFeesExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ProfessionalFeesExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ProfessionalFeesExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_OtherOperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_OtherOperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_OtherOperatingIncomeExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RentalExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RentalExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="15" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RentalExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ExpenseByNature" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ExpenseByNature" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="16" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ExpenseByNature" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnExchangeDifferencesOnTranslationRecognisedInProfitOrLoss" xlink:label="ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnExchangeDifferencesOnTranslationRecognisedInProfitOrLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="17" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnExchangeDifferencesOnTranslationRecognisedInProfitOrLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureAdministrativeExpensesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40701 - Disclosure - Administrative expenses (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_AdministrativeExpensesMember" xlink:label="ihs_AdministrativeExpensesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_AttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionDomain" xlink:to="ihs_AdministrativeExpensesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsLatamGroupMember" xlink:label="ihs_IhsLatamGroupMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_IndividualAssetsOrCashgeneratingUnitsWithSignificantAmountOfGoodwillOrIntangibleAssetsWithIndefiniteUsefulLivesDomain" xlink:to="ihs_IhsLatamGroupMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_EmployeeBenefitsExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_EmployeeBenefitsExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_EmployeeBenefitsExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ProfessionalFeesExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ProfessionalFeesExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ProfessionalFeesExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_FacilitiesShortTermRentalAndUpkeepExpense" xlink:label="ihs_FacilitiesShortTermRentalAndUpkeepExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_FacilitiesShortTermRentalAndUpkeepExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DepreciationExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DepreciationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DepreciationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TravelExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TravelExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TravelExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnDisposalsOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnDisposalsOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnDisposalsOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AcquisitionrelatedCostsRecognisedAsExpenseForTransactionRecognisedSeparatelyFromAcquisitionOfAssetsAndAssumptionOfLiabilitiesInBusinessCombination" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AcquisitionrelatedCostsRecognisedAsExpenseForTransactionRecognisedSeparatelyFromAcquisitionOfAssetsAndAssumptionOfLiabilitiesInBusinessCombination" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AcquisitionrelatedCostsRecognisedAsExpenseForTransactionRecognisedSeparatelyFromAcquisitionOfAssetsAndAssumptionOfLiabilitiesInBusinessCombination" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AmortisationExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AmortisationExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AmortisationExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TaxExpenseOtherThanIncomeTaxExpense" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TaxExpenseOtherThanIncomeTaxExpense" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TaxExpenseOtherThanIncomeTaxExpense" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_ImpairmentOfWithholdingTaxReceivables" xlink:label="ihs_ImpairmentOfWithholdingTaxReceivables" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_ImpairmentOfWithholdingTaxReceivables" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_OtherExpenseByNature" xlink:label="ifrs-full_OtherExpenseByNature" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="12" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_OtherExpenseByNature" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossGoodwill" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossGoodwill" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="13" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossGoodwill" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ExpenseByNature" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ExpenseByNature" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="14" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfAttributionOfExpensesByNatureToTheirFunctionLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ExpenseByNature" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureTaxationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41001 - Disclosure - Taxation (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_NigeriaSegmentMember" xlink:label="ihs_NigeriaSegmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SegmentsDomain" xlink:to="ihs_NigeriaSegmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CurrentTaxExpenseIncomeAndAdjustmentsForCurrentTaxOfPriorPeriods" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CurrentTaxExpenseIncomeAndAdjustmentsForCurrentTaxOfPriorPeriods" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CurrentTaxExpenseIncomeAndAdjustmentsForCurrentTaxOfPriorPeriods" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DeferredTaxExpenseIncomeRecognisedInProfitOrLoss" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DeferredTaxExpenseIncomeRecognisedInProfitOrLoss" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DeferredTaxExpenseIncomeRecognisedInProfitOrLoss" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IncomeTaxExpenseContinuingOperations" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IncomeTaxExpenseContinuingOperations" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_IncomeTaxExpenseContinuingOperations" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DeferredTaxLiabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DeferredTaxLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_YearOnYearIncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxExpenseIncome" xlink:label="ihs_YearOnYearIncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxExpenseIncome" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_YearOnYearIncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxExpenseIncome" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsNotionalAmountDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41201 - Disclosure - Derivative financial instruments - Notional amount (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_EmbeddedOptionsWithinListedBondsMember" xlink:label="ihs_EmbeddedOptionsWithinListedBondsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" xlink:to="ihs_EmbeddedOptionsWithinListedBondsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CurrencySwapContractMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CurrencySwapContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CurrencySwapContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionAfterSeptember172024Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionAfterSeptember172024Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionAfterSeptember172024Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292023November282024Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292023November282024Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292023November282024Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292024November282025Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292024November282025Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292024November282025Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292025Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292025Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292025Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292025November282026Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292025November282026Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292025November282026Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292026November282027Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292026November282027Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292026November282027Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292027November282028Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292027November282028Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292027November282028Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292028November282029Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292028November282029Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292028November282029Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292026Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292026Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292026Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292028Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292028Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292028Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292029Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292029Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="11" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292029Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2026Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2026Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2026Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2028Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2028Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2028Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsNetherlandsHoldcob.v.SeniorNoteMaturing2027Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsNetherlandsHoldcob.v.SeniorNoteMaturing2027Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_IhsNetherlandsHoldcob.v.SeniorNoteMaturing2027Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2030Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2030Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2030Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2031Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2031Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2031Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NotionalAmount" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NotionalAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_NotionalAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_EarlyRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfNotionalAmount" xlink:label="ihs_EarlyRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfNotionalAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_EarlyRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfNotionalAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41202 - Disclosure - Derivative financial instruments - Fair value (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_EmbeddedOptionsWithinListedBondsMember" xlink:label="ihs_EmbeddedOptionsWithinListedBondsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" xlink:to="ihs_EmbeddedOptionsWithinListedBondsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CurrencySwapContractMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CurrencySwapContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CurrencySwapContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAtFairValue" xlink:label="ihs_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAtFairValue" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAtFairValue" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsChangeInFairValueOfDerivativeInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41203 - Disclosure - Derivative financial instruments - Change in fair value of the derivative instruments (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_EmbeddedOptionsWithinListedBondsMember" xlink:label="ihs_EmbeddedOptionsWithinListedBondsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" xlink:to="ihs_EmbeddedOptionsWithinListedBondsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CurrencySwapContractMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CurrencySwapContractMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CurrencySwapContractMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_InterestRateCapsMember" xlink:label="ihs_InterestRateCapsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DerivativesMember" xlink:to="ihs_InterestRateCapsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnChangeInFairValueOfDerivatives" xlink:label="ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnChangeInFairValueOfDerivatives" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_GainsLossesOnChangeInFairValueOfDerivatives" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureTradeAndOtherReceivablesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41301 - Disclosure - Trade and other receivables (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_TradeAndOtherReceivablesTable" xlink:label="ihs_TradeAndOtherReceivablesTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ihs_TradeAndOtherReceivablesTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CarryingAmountMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CarryingAmountMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CarryingAmountMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_GrossCarryingAmountMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_GrossCarryingAmountMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_CarryingAmountMember" xlink:to="ifrs-full_GrossCarryingAmountMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_AccumulatedImpairmentMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_AccumulatedImpairmentMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_CarryingAmountMember" xlink:to="ifrs-full_AccumulatedImpairmentMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RangeAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ihs_TradeAndOtherReceivablesTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RangeDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_RangeAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TopOfRangeMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TopOfRangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TopOfRangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_TradeAndOtherReceivablesLineItems" xlink:label="ihs_TradeAndOtherReceivablesLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ihs_TradeAndOtherReceivablesLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_TradeAndOtherReceivablesTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivablesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ihs_TradeAndOtherReceivablesLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivablesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_AccruedIncomeAndLeaseIncentive" xlink:label="ihs_AccruedIncomeAndLeaseIncentive" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ihs_AccruedIncomeAndLeaseIncentive" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivablesFromTaxesOtherThanIncomeTax" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivablesFromTaxesOtherThanIncomeTax" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivablesFromTaxesOtherThanIncomeTax" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_PaymentInAdvanceForPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="ihs_PaymentInAdvanceForPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ihs_PaymentInAdvanceForPropertyPlantAndEquipment" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_NonCurrentWithholdingTaxReceivables" xlink:label="ihs_NonCurrentWithholdingTaxReceivables" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ihs_NonCurrentWithholdingTaxReceivables" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_NoncurrentContingentConsiderationReceivable" xlink:label="ihs_NoncurrentContingentConsiderationReceivable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ihs_NoncurrentContingentConsiderationReceivable" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivables" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivables" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ifrs-full_NoncurrentReceivables" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivablesAbstract" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ihs_TradeAndOtherReceivablesLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivablesAbstract" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CurrentTradeReceivables" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CurrentTradeReceivables" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CurrentTradeReceivables" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_OtherCurrentReceivables" xlink:label="ifrs-full_OtherCurrentReceivables" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ifrs-full_OtherCurrentReceivables" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_PrepaidLandRent" xlink:label="ihs_PrepaidLandRent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ihs_PrepaidLandRent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CurrentPrepaidExpenses" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CurrentPrepaidExpenses" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CurrentPrepaidExpenses" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CurrentAdvancesToSuppliers" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CurrentAdvancesToSuppliers" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CurrentAdvancesToSuppliers" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_WithholdingTaxReceivablesCurrent" xlink:label="ihs_WithholdingTaxReceivablesCurrent" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ihs_WithholdingTaxReceivablesCurrent" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CurrentValueAddedTaxReceivables" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CurrentValueAddedTaxReceivables" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CurrentValueAddedTaxReceivables" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_CurrentContingentConsiderationReceivable" xlink:label="ihs_CurrentContingentConsiderationReceivable" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ihs_CurrentContingentConsiderationReceivable" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivables" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivables" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivables" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_NonCurrentReceivablesDuePeriod" xlink:label="ihs_NonCurrentReceivablesDuePeriod" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ihs_TradeAndOtherReceivablesLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_NonCurrentReceivablesDuePeriod" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureBorrowingsDebtClassificationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41501 - Disclosure - Borrowings - Debt classification (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_SeniorNoteMember" xlink:label="ihs_SeniorNoteMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_SeniorNoteMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_DebenturesAndBankTermLoansMember" xlink:label="ihs_DebenturesAndBankTermLoansMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_DebenturesAndBankTermLoansMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_LettersOfCreditMember" xlink:label="ihs_LettersOfCreditMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_LettersOfCreditMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_LongtermBorrowings" xlink:label="ifrs-full_LongtermBorrowings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_LongtermBorrowings" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_CurrentBorrowingsAndCurrentPortionOfNoncurrentBorrowings" xlink:label="ifrs-full_CurrentBorrowingsAndCurrentPortionOfNoncurrentBorrowings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_CurrentBorrowingsAndCurrentPortionOfNoncurrentBorrowings" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_Borrowings" xlink:label="ifrs-full_Borrowings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_Borrowings" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureBorrowingsDebtInstrumentDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41502 - Disclosure - Borrowings - Debt instrument (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_SeniorNoteMember" xlink:label="ihs_SeniorNoteMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_SeniorNoteMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2026Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2026Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ihs_SeniorNoteMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2026Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2028Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2028Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ihs_SeniorNoteMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2028Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2030Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2030Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ihs_SeniorNoteMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2030Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2031Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2031Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ihs_SeniorNoteMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsHoldingLimitedSeniorNoteMaturing2031Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsMauritiusNgHoldcoLimitedSeniorNotesIssued2019Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsMauritiusNgHoldcoLimitedSeniorNotesIssued2019Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ihs_SeniorNoteMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsMauritiusNgHoldcoLimitedSeniorNotesIssued2019Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsNetherlandsHoldcob.v.SeniorNoteMaturing2027Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsNetherlandsHoldcob.v.SeniorNoteMaturing2027Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ihs_SeniorNoteMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsNetherlandsHoldcob.v.SeniorNoteMaturing2027Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_DebenturesMember" xlink:label="ihs_DebenturesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_DebenturesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_Ihs2023BrasilDebenturesMember" xlink:label="ihs_Ihs2023BrasilDebenturesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ihs_DebenturesMember" xlink:to="ihs_Ihs2023BrasilDebenturesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_Ihs2024BrasilDebenturesMember" xlink:label="ihs_Ihs2024BrasilDebenturesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ihs_DebenturesMember" xlink:to="ihs_Ihs2024BrasilDebenturesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_ISystems2024DebenturesMember" xlink:label="ihs_ISystems2024DebenturesMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ihs_DebenturesMember" xlink:to="ihs_ISystems2024DebenturesMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_BankTermLoansMember" xlink:label="ihs_BankTermLoansMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_BankTermLoansMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsCoteDIvoireS.a.CivXofTrancheIiMember" xlink:label="ihs_IhsCoteDIvoireS.a.CivXofTrancheIiMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ihs_BankTermLoansMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsCoteDIvoireS.a.CivXofTrancheIiMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsCoteDIvoireS.a.CivEuroTrancheIiMember" xlink:label="ihs_IhsCoteDIvoireS.a.CivEuroTrancheIiMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ihs_BankTermLoansMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsCoteDIvoireS.a.CivEuroTrancheIiMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsHolding2024DualTrancheBulletTermLoanFacilityUsdTrancheMember" xlink:label="ihs_IhsHolding2024DualTrancheBulletTermLoanFacilityUsdTrancheMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ihs_BankTermLoansMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsHolding2024DualTrancheBulletTermLoanFacilityUsdTrancheMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsHolding2024DualTrancheBulletTermLoanFacilityZarTrancheMember" xlink:label="ihs_IhsHolding2024DualTrancheBulletTermLoanFacilityZarTrancheMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ihs_BankTermLoansMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsHolding2024DualTrancheBulletTermLoanFacilityZarTrancheMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsTowersSouthAfricaProprietaryLimitedBorrowingMaturing2029Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsTowersSouthAfricaProprietaryLimitedBorrowingMaturing2029Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ihs_BankTermLoansMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsTowersSouthAfricaProprietaryLimitedBorrowingMaturing2029Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsZambiaLimitedBankBorrowingsMaturing2027Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsZambiaLimitedBankBorrowingsMaturing2027Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ihs_BankTermLoansMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsZambiaLimitedBankBorrowingsMaturing2027Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IntTowersLimitedBorrowingsIssuedJanuary2023Member" xlink:label="ihs_IntTowersLimitedBorrowingsIssuedJanuary2023Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="ihs_BankTermLoansMember" xlink:to="ihs_IntTowersLimitedBorrowingsIssuedJanuary2023Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_FibercoSoluesDeInfraestruturaS.a.Maturing2030Member" xlink:label="ihs_FibercoSoluesDeInfraestruturaS.a.Maturing2030Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="ihs_BankTermLoansMember" xlink:to="ihs_FibercoSoluesDeInfraestruturaS.a.Maturing2030Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RevolvingCreditFacilitiesAndOverdraftsMember" xlink:label="ihs_RevolvingCreditFacilitiesAndOverdraftsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RevolvingCreditFacilitiesAndOverdraftsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsHoldingRevolving2020CreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="ihs_IhsHoldingRevolving2020CreditFacilityMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ihs_RevolvingCreditFacilitiesAndOverdraftsMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsHoldingRevolving2020CreditFacilityMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_Nigeria2023RevolvingCreditFacilityRcfMember" xlink:label="ihs_Nigeria2023RevolvingCreditFacilityRcfMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ihs_RevolvingCreditFacilitiesAndOverdraftsMember" xlink:to="ihs_Nigeria2023RevolvingCreditFacilityRcfMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_LettersOfCreditMember" xlink:label="ihs_LettersOfCreditMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_LettersOfCreditMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsNigeriaLettersOfCreditIssuedFebruary2022Member" xlink:label="ihs_IhsNigeriaLettersOfCreditIssuedFebruary2022Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ihs_LettersOfCreditMember" xlink:to="ihs_IhsNigeriaLettersOfCreditIssuedFebruary2022Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_CasPlusSofrMember" xlink:label="ihs_CasPlusSofrMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" xlink:to="ihs_CasPlusSofrMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_Sofr3MonthsMember" xlink:label="ihs_Sofr3MonthsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" xlink:to="ihs_Sofr3MonthsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_MonetaryPolicyRateMprMember" xlink:label="ihs_MonetaryPolicyRateMprMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" xlink:to="ihs_MonetaryPolicyRateMprMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_Euribor3MonthMember" xlink:label="ihs_Euribor3MonthMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" xlink:to="ihs_Euribor3MonthMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_CertificadoDeDepsitoInterbancrioMember" xlink:label="ihs_CertificadoDeDepsitoInterbancrioMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" xlink:to="ihs_CertificadoDeDepsitoInterbancrioMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_Jibar3MonthMember" xlink:label="ihs_Jibar3MonthMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" xlink:to="ihs_Jibar3MonthMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RangeAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RangeDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_RangeAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BottomOfRangeMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BottomOfRangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BottomOfRangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TopOfRangeMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TopOfRangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TopOfRangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2024/elts/srt-2024.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionAfterSeptember172024Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionAfterSeptember172024Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionAfterSeptember172024Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292023November282024Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292023November282024Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292023November282024Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292024November282025Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292024November282025Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292024November282025Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292025Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292025Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292025Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292025November282026Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292025November282026Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionBetweenNovember292025November282026Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292026Member" xlink:label="ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292026Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="ihs_RedemptionAfterNovember292026Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NotionalAmount" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NotionalAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_NotionalAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BorrowingsInterestRate" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BorrowingsInterestRate" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BorrowingsInterestRate" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BorrowingsAdjustmentToInterestRateBasis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BorrowingsAdjustmentToInterestRateBasis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BorrowingsAdjustmentToInterestRateBasis" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_Borrowings" xlink:label="ifrs-full_Borrowings" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_Borrowings" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_EarlyRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfNotionalAmount" xlink:label="ihs_EarlyRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfNotionalAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_EarlyRedemptionPriceAsPercentageOfNotionalAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureLeaseLiabilitiesContractualMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41602 - Disclosure - Lease liabilities - Contractual maturities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfQuantitativeInformationAboutRightofuseAssetsTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfQuantitativeInformationAboutRightofuseAssetsTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MaturityAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MaturityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfQuantitativeInformationAboutRightofuseAssetsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_MaturityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MaturityDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MaturityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MaturityAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_MaturityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NotLaterThanOneYearMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NotLaterThanOneYearMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MaturityDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_NotLaterThanOneYearMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_LaterThanOneYearAndNotLaterThanThreeYearsMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_LaterThanOneYearAndNotLaterThanThreeYearsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MaturityDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_LaterThanOneYearAndNotLaterThanThreeYearsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_LaterThanThreeYearsAndNotLaterThanFiveYearsMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_LaterThanThreeYearsAndNotLaterThanFiveYearsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MaturityDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_LaterThanThreeYearsAndNotLaterThanFiveYearsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_LaterThanFiveYearsMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_LaterThanFiveYearsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MaturityDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_LaterThanFiveYearsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RangeAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfQuantitativeInformationAboutRightofuseAssetsTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RangeDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_RangeAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_WeightedAverageMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_WeightedAverageMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfQuantitativeInformationAboutRightofuseAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfQuantitativeInformationAboutRightofuseAssetsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfQuantitativeInformationAboutRightofuseAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfQuantitativeInformationAboutRightofuseAssetsTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_LeaseLiabilities" xlink:label="ifrs-full_LeaseLiabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfQuantitativeInformationAboutRightofuseAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_LeaseLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_GrossLeaseLiabilities" xlink:label="ifrs-full_GrossLeaseLiabilities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfQuantitativeInformationAboutRightofuseAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_GrossLeaseLiabilities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_LeaseRemainingLeaseTerm" xlink:label="ihs_LeaseRemainingLeaseTerm" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfQuantitativeInformationAboutRightofuseAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_LeaseRemainingLeaseTerm" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureStatedCapitalDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41701 - Disclosure - Stated capital (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumBeforeIssueCostsMember" xlink:label="ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumBeforeIssueCostsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_ComponentsOfEquityDomain" xlink:to="ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumBeforeIssueCostsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumMember" xlink:label="ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumBeforeIssueCostsMember" xlink:to="ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_ShareCapitalBeforeDeductionOfIssueCostsMember" xlink:label="ihs_ShareCapitalBeforeDeductionOfIssueCostsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumMember" xlink:to="ihs_ShareCapitalBeforeDeductionOfIssueCostsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IssuedCapitalMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IssuedCapitalMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumMember" xlink:to="ifrs-full_IssuedCapitalMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_SharePremiumBeforeDeductionOfIssueCostsMember" xlink:label="ihs_SharePremiumBeforeDeductionOfIssueCostsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumMember" xlink:to="ihs_SharePremiumBeforeDeductionOfIssueCostsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SharePremiumMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SharePremiumMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ihs_IssuedCapitalAndSharePremiumMember" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SharePremiumMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NumberOfSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NumberOfSharesOutstanding" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_NumberOfSharesOutstanding" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IncreaseInNumberOfSharesThroughExerciseOfOptions" xlink:label="ihs_IncreaseInNumberOfSharesThroughExerciseOfOptions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_IncreaseInNumberOfSharesThroughExerciseOfOptions" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_Equity" xlink:label="ifrs-full_Equity" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_Equity" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughExerciseOfOptions" xlink:label="ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughExerciseOfOptions" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_IncreaseDecreaseThroughExerciseOfOptions" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://cdcgroup.com/role/DisclosureEventsAfterReportingPeriodDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="42001 - Disclosure - Events after the reporting period (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodTable" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodTable" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_DrawdownsAndRepaymentsOfBorrowingsMember" xlink:label="ihs_DrawdownsAndRepaymentsOfBorrowingsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodDomain" xlink:to="ihs_DrawdownsAndRepaymentsOfBorrowingsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisposalOfMajorSubsidiaryMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisposalOfMajorSubsidiaryMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_NonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisposalOfMajorSubsidiaryMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IntTowersLimitedBankBorrowingsMaturing2028Member" xlink:label="ihs_IntTowersLimitedBankBorrowingsMaturing2028Member" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_BorrowingsByNameDomain" xlink:to="ihs_IntTowersLimitedBankBorrowingsMaturing2028Member" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_CertificadoDeDepsitoInterbancrioMember" xlink:label="ihs_CertificadoDeDepsitoInterbancrioMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_TypesOfInterestRatesDomain" xlink:to="ihs_CertificadoDeDepsitoInterbancrioMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RangeAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RangeAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RangeAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RangeDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_RangeAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_TopOfRangeMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_TopOfRangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_TopOfRangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BottomOfRangeMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BottomOfRangeMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_RangeDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BottomOfRangeMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MaturityAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MaturityAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_MaturityAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_MaturityDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_MaturityDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MaturityAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_MaturityDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_LaterThanOneYearAndNotLaterThanTwoYearsMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_LaterThanOneYearAndNotLaterThanTwoYearsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MaturityDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_LaterThanOneYearAndNotLaterThanTwoYearsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_LaterThanTwoYearsAndNotLaterThanThreeYearsMember" xlink:label="ifrs-full_LaterThanTwoYearsAndNotLaterThanThreeYearsMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_MaturityDomain" xlink:to="ifrs-full_LaterThanTwoYearsAndNotLaterThanThreeYearsMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesAxis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesAxis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" order="6" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodTable" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesAxis" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesDomain" xlink:label="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesDomain" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesAxis" xlink:to="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesDomain" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_IhsRwandaLimitedMember" xlink:label="ihs_IhsRwandaLimitedMember" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesDomain" xlink:to="ihs_IhsRwandaLimitedMember" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodLineItems" xlink:label="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" order="1" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodTable" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_NotionalAmount" xlink:label="ifrs-full_NotionalAmount" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="2" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_NotionalAmount" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_BorrowingsAdjustmentToInterestRateBasis" xlink:label="ifrs-full_BorrowingsAdjustmentToInterestRateBasis" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="3" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_BorrowingsAdjustmentToInterestRateBasis" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.ifrs.org/taxonomy/2024-03-27/full_ifrs/full_ifrs-cor_2024-03-27.xsd#ifrs-full_RepaymentsOfBorrowingsClassifiedAsFinancingActivities" xlink:label="ifrs-full_RepaymentsOfBorrowingsClassifiedAsFinancingActivities" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="4" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodLineItems" xlink:to="ifrs-full_RepaymentsOfBorrowingsClassifiedAsFinancingActivities" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_NumberOfTowersConvertedFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentThroughBusinessCombination" xlink:label="ihs_NumberOfTowersConvertedFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentThroughBusinessCombination" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="5" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_NumberOfTowersConvertedFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentThroughBusinessCombination" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_NumberOfTowerRelatedLandAssetsConvertedFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentThroughBusinessCombination" xlink:label="ihs_NumberOfTowerRelatedLandAssetsConvertedFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentThroughBusinessCombination" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="6" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_NumberOfTowerRelatedLandAssetsConvertedFromRightOfUseAssetsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentThroughBusinessCombination" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_PercentageOfOwnershipInterestsInSubsidiaryToBeDisposed" xlink:label="ihs_PercentageOfOwnershipInterestsInSubsidiaryToBeDisposed" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="7" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_PercentageOfOwnershipInterestsInSubsidiaryToBeDisposed" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_AgreedConsiderationForSaleOfSubsidiary" xlink:label="ihs_AgreedConsiderationForSaleOfSubsidiary" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="8" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_AgreedConsiderationForSaleOfSubsidiary" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_AgreedDeferredConsiderationForSaleOfSubsidiary" xlink:label="ihs_AgreedDeferredConsiderationForSaleOfSubsidiary" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="9" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_AgreedDeferredConsiderationForSaleOfSubsidiary" priority="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="tmb-20250331.xsd#ihs_AgreedPerformanceRelatedEarnOutConsiderationFromSaleOfSubsidiary" xlink:label="ihs_AgreedPerformanceRelatedEarnOutConsiderationFromSaleOfSubsidiary" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" order="10" xlink:from="ifrs-full_DisclosureOfNonadjustingEventsAfterReportingPeriodLineItems" xlink:to="ihs_AgreedPerformanceRelatedEarnOutConsiderationFromSaleOfSubsidiary" priority="1" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
