Telecom
The Telecoms Sector on the Rise: The Opportunities and the Uncertainties
By Dr. Falade Muritala Adesola
With more investments and higher expectations, the Nigerian telecoms sector has consistently contributed to the growth of the Nigerian economy.
Dr. Falade Muritala Adesola
While the market size and loquacious nature of the country’s population are significant factors in the sector’s viability, the crucial role of the regulatory body, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), currently led by Dr Aminu Maida, cannot be overstated.
Effective regulation is a critical variable in the success of any industry, and the NCC’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the sector’s progress. However, current realities in the country suggest that a lot remains to be done.
If we take a moment to reflect on the past and consider the incredible technological advancements that have transformed our society, we will undoubtedly find them astonishing. These advancements carry profound implications for our future and compel us to ponder how our world will continue to evolve.
In any human society, whether it’s a simple tribe or a highly developed civilization, communication is essential. Without the ability to share information and ideas, it would be difficult for people to come together, collaborate, and make important decisions that affect everyone. Communication enables cooperation, the creation and exchange of goods, the sharing of knowledge and ideas, and providing help and support to each other when it’s needed. This makes the telecoms sector a very strategic one.
The global spread of mobile phones has further transformed communication, offering new opportunities and challenges. This technology has revolutionized the telecommunications sector, requiring adaptable strategies for both developed and developing countries.
As the popular saying goes, “In a city that has no laws, there is no crime,” governments therefore continue to prioritise the establishment of strong, independent regulators to prevent chaos and ensure that national development goals are achieved.
Beyond concerns around quality of service and enhancing communication experience, the regulation of the telecommunications sector has been motivated by the need to ensure fair competition when market forces alone are insufficient. The goal of universal services, particularly in enabling customers to receive and make calls, has also influenced the regulation of basic telecommunications services. Nowadays, basic telecommunications services are widely regarded as essential, and regulations are in place to ensure it is affordable and widely available. Over the last two decades, many telecommunications markets have attained a certain level of regulatory maturity, establishing separate regulators, and competitive frameworks.
In Africa, the telecommunications industry is experiencing rapid changes, with the market valued at approximately $63.17 billion in 2024. It is projected to surpass $82.34 billion by 2029, growing at an annual rate of 5.44%. This growth is strongly linked to Africa’s youthful population.
Kenya, an East African technological hub, boasted a telecommunications market worth around $3.3 billion in 2023. The total telecom service revenue in Kenya was expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 2% throughout 2023. South Africa also holds significant influence in the African telecom market, where it is projected to generate approximately US$16.0 billion in revenue from communication services by 2024.
Nigeria is also widely recognised as one of the major telecommunications markets in the world. With a population of over 200 million and blessed with abundant natural resources, Nigeria ranks as the 14th largest oil producer in the world and the telecommunications sector contributes as much as 14% to the GDP. This makes it an attractive prospect for potential investors looking to tap into the largely untapped telecoms market.
The outcome of the telecom sector will have an immense impact on other sectors of the Nigerian economy. At a breakfast session organised by the Lagos Business School (LBS), Bismarck Rewane, the CEO of Financial Derivatives Ltd, said, “Big push theory posits that growth in one sector can stimulate growth in others through backward and forward linkages. The telecom sector has both forward and backward linkages to various sectors. This linkage to other sectors is vital for economic growth, innovation, and productivity across various industries making it a key enabler and driver of development in modern economies. If the telecom industry collapses, all other sectors will follow.”
Recognizing the pivotal role that telecommunications can play in national development, the Nigerian government is dedicated to rapidly expanding telecommunications facilities and services through adequate efforts of regulatory bodies. Private investment in the sector has surged from $50 million in 1999 to over $70 billion twenty-one years after, leading to a rapid growth in subscriber numbers.
The advancements and progress in these industries are largely driven by the visible efforts of the regulatory bodies overseeing them. Meanwhile, they are not without their challenges. South Africa’s telecoms sector is regulated by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), Kenya, Communications Authority of Kenya, and Nigeria, the Nigeria Communications Commission; all responsible for ensuring fair play, continued infrastructural development and quality of service. The Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 further empowers the NCC to effectively carry out its responsibilities as the independent regulator of the industry in Nigeria. Additionally, the Act established the office of the head of the NCC, led by an Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), who is responsible for overseeing the regulation of the telecommunications sector in the country.
The body has continued to facilitate private sector participation in communication services delivery and regulate the activities of the operators to ensure consistency in the availability of service delivery and fair pricing. The incumbent Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida is making significant strides despite the numerous challenges that plague the industry. The NCC recently obtained right-of-way (RoW) fee waivers in six states. Typically, some States require telecom operators to pay these fees to install fiber optic cables along roadways. High right of way fees have been a significant barrier for telecom companies, hindering the expansion of broadband access and infrastructure. These waivers will allow telecom operators to deploy infrastructure more easily and cost-effectively, facilitating broader internet coverage.
The EVC’s stance is also evident in his advocacy that the telecom infrastructure should be regarded as a national infrastructure, reflecting its critical role in the nation’s development. It should be co-managed in partnership with the telecom industry, which operates and maintains it. This collaborative management approach would address issues like frequent fiber cuts caused by uncoordinated activities of engineers and builders who often do not consult the sector’s regulator before proceeding with their work. Such disruptions are a major cause of vandalism and service interruptions. His advocacy has resulted in government action to make cable damages and vandalization of telecom infrastructure a criminal offense. This proactive approach not only discourages future irresponsible behaviour but also helps in maintaining uninterrupted services for the public.
Consumers today have a growing reliance on staying connected and having fast internet speed. The increasing demand for high-speed applications like video streaming and gaming, along with the expansion of the mobile ecosystem, is driving the need for better broadband connectivity. This demand has put pressure on the industry to improve the availability and quality of broadband services, resulting in connectivity issues.
To address this, the regulatory body has continued to lay emphasis on the need for operators to move from quality of service to quality of experience, which is a holistic approach to improving customer experience in the industry.
Indeed, the telecoms sector is on the rise. However, additional safeguards are necessary to sustain its growth and ensure long-term viability.
Dr. Falade Muritala Adesola is a Senior Lecturer and former HOD, Computer and Information Sciences Department, Trinity University.
Telecom
Digital Encode Sponsors PAFON 3.0 as CVO Prof. Adewale Set to Deliver Keynote on Cybersecurity and Trust
Digital Encode Limited has emerged the lead sponsor of the upcoming third edition of the forum (PAFON 3.0), the organisers have announced.
PAFON 3.0
PAFON 3.0 is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Lagos, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Themed “Fair Digital Payments as a Catalyst for Deepening Financial Inclusion in Nigeria,” PAFON 3.0 serves as a strategic platform for senior executives from banks, fintechs, regulatory agencies, and technology innovators to address the evolving digital payment landscape.
As Nigeria transitions toward a cash-light economy, the forum will focus on critical pillars of sustainability, including transparency, pricing integrity, and system resilience.
Bridging Cybersecurity and Financial Inclusion
Professor Adewale Peter Obadare, the Founder/chief visionary officer of Digital Encode will deliver a cybersecurity-focused keynote address that connects trust, resilience, fraud prevention, and consumer protection to financial inclusion.
His session will provide a specialized perspective on how information security serves as the bedrock of financial inclusion; exploring the vital links between building infrastructure that consumers can rely on, protecting the ecosystem to allow inclusion to scale, and ensuring equitable and secure access for all Nigerians.
Prof. Obadare is arguably the most Credentialed PAN-African Digital Trust Leader, CyberSecurity Strategist, GRC Thought Leader & Global Technopreneur.
He is a seasoned Multi-Award Cybersecurity & GRC expert with over 58 (Fifty-Eight) international professional certifications to his credit, Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Liverpool Unversity, UK, was awarded Honorarary Doctorate Degree in Cybersecurity from Trinity International University of Ambassadors Atlanta Georgia, United State of America and First Professor of Practice – Cybersecurity at Miva Open University, Abuja, Nigeria.
Prof. Obadare is a well-recognized subject matter expert with numerous successful engagements to his credit in Africa and the world. His skills and experience spans Data Privacy, Data Protection, CyberSecurity, Information Security, Vulnerability Management, Penetration Testing, Computer Forensics, Business Continuity, I T Governance, Risk Management and Compliance.
He is a Cybersecurity Advisory Board Member for Lagos State Government, a Platinum Team Member of Open-Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSSTMM), as well as a lifetime member of the Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP). He is an alumnus of FATE Foundation and US Department of State Exchange program.
He is also a distinguished alumnus of executive education at Harvard Business School, Harvard School of Government, MIT Sloan School of Management, MIT Professional Education and Oxford University – Said Business School.
“Without trust in the security of digital payments, inclusion cannot scale. And we are happy to welcome Digital Encode as our Lead Sponsor this year. With what the company stands for and the personality of the CVO on a global scale, we have no doubt that attendees at this year’s PAFON will go home with lots of insights.”
“The theme for PAFON 3.0 was carefully selected because if digital payments are affordable, transparent, accessible, and trustworthy, more Nigerians, especially the underserved, will participate in the financial system”, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, the co-convener of Payments Forum Nigeria, noted, highlighting Digital Encode distinguished leadership in Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
Other Confirmed speakers: Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Vice President, Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR) & CEO, Credit Registry; Uche Uzoebo, MD/CEO, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF Limited): Special Guest of Honour; Mojeed Abayomi Agboola, National President, Financial Inclusion Agents Multipurpose Cooperative Society (FIAMCS); Dr. Obioha Otti, National President, Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN); Chukwuemeka Enoch, Founder, Lagos Blockchain Week, and Sarafadeen Fasasi, National President, Association of Financial Inclusion Agents of Nigeria (AFiAN), amongst others.
The forum will feature speakers from across the financial spectrum, including mobile money operators, payment processors, and development institutions, to shape policy dialogue and industry standards.
PAFON is a premier industry gathering that aligns brand positioning with trust and innovation in Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem. It provides a unique space for thought leadership, regulatory engagement, and market expansion within the payment infrastructure sector.
The era of treating cybersecurity as a mere IT problem is over. As AI-powered digital threats become more elusive and destructive, Nigeria is shifting its strategy toward “Total Resilience”—a multi-dimensional defense involving every level of society.
NITDA
At the 2026 GITEX Africa summit, NITDA DG, Kashifu Inuwa sounded the alarm on the changing nature of digital warfare, asserting that technology alone is no longer enough. Instead, Nigeria’s survival in the digital age now hinges on a strategic blend of policy, people, and proactive defense.
Speaking during a panel session on Cyber Resilience, Inuwa described the current global digital environment as being at a “critical turning point.”
He warned that emerging technologies are not only transforming industries and economies but are also reshaping the nature of cyber threats, demanding a proactive and multi-dimensional response from governments, institutions, and citizens alike.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue. It is a strategic imperative for national development,” Inuwa stated. “We must think beyond technology alone and build resilience through people, processes, regulations, and infrastructure.”
Inuwa revealed that the focus of Nigeria’s cyber strategy is shifting from high-tech software to the people behind the screens. Pointing to data showing that 95% of all digital breaches stem from simple human mistakes, Inuwa argued that the world’s most advanced encryption is useless if the user is compromised.
“The most sophisticated technology cannot protect us if the human element is overlooked,” he noted. By prioritising human capacity and digital literacy, NITDA aims to turn every citizen into a “human firewall”, the first and most critical line of defense in a world where AI-driven attacks are the new normal.
In response, the Nigerian government has launched a comprehensive National Digital Literacy Programme aimed at achieving 95 percent digital literacy by 2030, with an interim target of 70 percent by 2027.
The programme emphasizes digital safety and cybersecurity awareness, equipping citizens with the knowledge to navigate an increasingly online world responsibly.
Inuwa highlighted initiatives such as the “3 Million Tech Talent” programme, designed to develop Nigerian expertise across key technology domains, including cybersecurity, data science, and AI.
The programme also leverages hackathons, innovation challenges, and mentorship schemes to channel young people’s skills into productive, lawful, and globally competitive ventures.
He argued that nurturing local talent is essential not just for national security but also for economic growth. “We want to create an environment where young Nigerians are innovators, not just consumers of technology,” he said.
Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s ranking in global cybercrime indices, Inuwa urged contextual understanding. “Countries with the most advanced digital economies also rank high in cybercrime because of the scale of their online activity,” he explained.
“Our focus is on redirecting talent towards innovation and solutions that protect our citizens while contributing to global digital advancement.”
On the legal and regulatory front, Nigeria continues to review and enhance the Cybercrime Act of 2015 to keep pace with the rapidly evolving threat landscape. The law underpins a structured National Cybersecurity Architecture coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
In addition, the country operates a 24-hour cybersecurity operations centre tasked with monitoring threats, issuing advisories, and providing real-time support to government institutions, businesses, and citizens. Advanced technologies, including dark web monitoring and AI-enabled threat detection, are being deployed to enhance situational awareness and improve response times.
Inuwa emphasized that effective cyber resilience requires collaboration between public and private sectors. NITDA is working closely with ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector stakeholders to secure critical infrastructure and strengthen national resilience.
“Cyber resilience is not a solo effort; it is a collective responsibility. By integrating people, technology, and regulation, we can build a secure, globally competitive digital economy,” he added.
As Nigeria navigates a digital-first future, initiatives such as the National Digital Literacy Programme, 3 Million Tech Talent, and strengthened legal frameworks underscore a commitment to turning cybersecurity challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.
The country’s strategy reflects a broader understanding that in an era of AI-driven threats, preparedness is as much about people and processes as it is about technology.
Truecaller, the leading global communications platform, today announced the expansion of its Business Chat platform, making it accessible to global channel partners and enterprise solution providers. By “opening up” market access to its platform, Truecaller is empowering partners to transition their enterprise clients from legacy, low-trust SMS to a verified, smart, media-rich, and conversational communication experience.
Truecaller
Through this partner-led expansion, Truecaller empowers businesses to reclaim customer attention and establish immediate trust and credibility.
“The definition of success for modern enterprises has fundamentally evolved. It’s no longer just about delivery – it’s about earning attention, establishing credibility, and driving meaningful conversion,” said Priyam Bose, Global Head, GTM at Truecaller.
“By opening up market access to our global partners, we’ve created a powerful gateway for brands to engage with over 500 million active users where they already interact daily through communication that is contextual, trusted, free from clutter, and designed to initiate actions. For existing customers, the outreach opportunity extends to an additional high-impact channel, strengthening the overall customer experience journey.”
Truecaller Business Chat enables a clutter-free, high-trust conversational experience between businesses and consumers. The Business Chat platform equips partners with actionable insights, including real-time data and rich engagement metrics. This facilitates a more sophisticated, data-driven communication strategy that adapts at every stage of the customer journey.
Partners, including Gupshup and OneXtel, are already live in India along with Globe Teleservices, Cloudcom, and Sling Africa in other global markets, rapidly scaling the product in their respective regions. Global partners can now leverage Truecaller’s massive footprint to offer their clients a trustworthy engagement channel in an increasingly crowded digital world.
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