Telecom

Stimulating Investment in Telecoms

Published

17 years ago

September 8, 2008

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Nigeria as one of the largest and fastest growing markets offers particularly attractive opportunities, starting with the fact that less than 40 percent of the country has been covered with telecommunications access as well as its large population which is the basis for telecommunications business.

In spite of huge success recorded so far in the sector especially in the mobile space of the industry growing to about 53 million, there is need for more investors and existing operators to increase their investment in providing capacity. Existing players in all market sectors require additional funding for expanding their networks and services at record pace in order to keep up with demand, and the unified licensing regime opened up new opportunities to existing and new players alike for the provision of next-generation converged mobile, fixed and Internet services.

The few investors who entered the Nigerian market in 2001 and 2002 when it was still considered very risky have experienced triple-digit growth rates every year and amassed huge profits. In the improved economic and operating environment, the market is now also attracting strong interest from leading global telecoms players and international investors, but new technologies, a decline in infrastructure costs and continuing deregulation will maintain opportunities for smaller players as well. This report provides potential investors with an overview and analysis of the Nigerian telecommunications market and delivers insights into current and future investment opportunities that exist in the various market segments while at the same time pointing out the problems and risks involved.

The first seven years of the 21st century have continued to witness an upsurge in the application and use of telecommunications and information technology in nearly all aspects of human endeavor. The wireless revolution, the pre-paid billing platform and the Internet phenomenon have accelerated access to information resources and changed the way people live and transact business. Telecommunications/information technology industry has therefore continued to take center stage in world affairs and will continue to be so far into the foreseeable future.

The wave of Market liberalisation sweeping across the world has positively impacted the continent with several countries opening up to foreign direct investment in the telecommunications sector. It is reassuring to note that it is now widely acknowledged that Africa currently represents a most fertile ground for telecom investment. Notable success stories have been recorded since several African countries embraced market liberalisation, thus encouraging others to move in the same direction.

For instance in Nigeria, Engr Ernest Ndukwe, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said that the country’s telecom sector currently growing at 6 million per year which is standing at peak-high level of 45.9m by end of March 2008, both fixed and mobile. Active subscriber rate, by December according to him, will stand at 55 million.

Giving a tip of what the market can still offer, Ndukwe pointed out that the market is expected to hit 8 million subscribers annually for the next five years.

But what the NCC plans to do, according to him may increase the figures. Explaining that the role of the Commission is to encourage investment and protect all stakeholders in the industry, he explained that the advent of new technologies like broadband would encourage penetration to remote areas of the country and help bridge digital divide.

He promised new regulations that would urgently promote broadband technology and encourage investors to come into the sector.

Today, owing to several factors including government’s genuine deregulation policy, and the huge potential of the Nigerian market, so much has been achieved within a very short time. Through the national regulatory authority, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), government has proved itself fully committed to the liberalization of the telecom market. Since year 2000, Nigeria has transparently licensed major competitive operators, settled interconnection disputes, constantly held open consultations with stakeholders, enacted new telecom laws, regulations and guidelines, and provided custom duty concession on equipment imports, among others.

These activities have encouraged investment and promoted competition in the industry, resulting in the exponential growth in the number of subscriber lines. It is instructive to note that the growth in subscriber lines has come as a result of a boom in private investment in the telecommunications sector. Recognizing the huge unmet demand and hunger of consumers for phone services and the potential of the Nigerian market, investors pumped in close to $4.00 billion USD into the sector by December 2003. Today, investment in the telecom sector ranks second only to that in the oil industry. According to Ibrahim Nakande, Minister of State for Information and Communications, since the liberalization of the telecom sector and the advent of GSM in Nigeria, Direct Foreign Investment of over $12 billion has flowed into the country. Aside the $2.6 billion generated through licensing fees alone notable investment witnessed in the sector especially through acquisition of local operators by foreign operators these include, Telkom of South Africa acquisition of 75% equity in Multi-Links for $280 million, MTN acquisition of VGC Communications at $65 million, MTN acquisition of XS broadband for $32.1 million and Zain acquisition of over 60% stake in Vmobile for $1billion among others. These are outside huge investment made by these operators and others in the sector in building their network as well as expansion.

In summary seven years of Telecom Sector Reform has brought about substantial private sector investment, increase in number of market players, Unprecedented Growth in the Network, Expanded geographical coverage, empowerment of the citizenry, employment Creation and economic Stimulus.

The role of a regulator in a developing economy is typically very demanding and encompasses far-reaching and multi-disciplinary issues. To be successful, the function should be based upon a well defined set of objectives which typically includes attracting investment, infrastructure planning and development, sector efficiency improvement, quality of service improvement, encouragement of competition, eliminating barriers to market entry for new operators, protection and empowerment of the consumers and promotion of the general socio-economic well being.

Regulatory functions cover virtually every aspect of telecommunications network and service provision including tariff, technical standards, allocation of scarce resources, fair competition and inter-operator issues such as interconnectivity and interconnect termination rate.

The state has a duty to encourage investment in the sector with the sole aim of making access to good quality Information and Communications Technology resources available to all its citizens at affordable prices. Regulation therefore draws its relevance from the widely accepted role of the State as a motivator and impartial umpire.

In order to optimize and accelerate growth in telecoms sector in Nigeria, attention must continue to be paid to key issues that affect investment flow such as: sound economic and fiscal policies; minimum investment risk; guaranteed investment protection; improved support infrastructures; minimum political and bureaucratic interference; stability of government and government policies; independent and strong regulatory institution; good enabling laws for the sector, and so on.

Telecommunications technology has been nationally acknowledged as presenting copious opportunities for the creation of unprecedented wealth for Nigeria. Thankfully, former president Obasanjo’s government demonstrated the political will necessary to foster an environment conducive for investment in this sector. Nigeria has progressed from the telecommunications dark ages before the year 2000, to a telecommunications revolution that is opening up new possibilities and frontiers across business, political, social and economic landscape.

The sector today requires massive inflow of private investments for infrastructure upgrade and expansion. Half-hearted market liberalization measures have denied many African countries access to investment dollars that could have been available to the sector both from within and outside such countries. Governments must therefore resist pressures to protect incumbent operators to the detriment of timely establishment of truly competitive markets.

The need for Government to provide the right environment that will attract serious investors and for market forces to thrive cannot be over emphasized. All policies must of necessity be aimed at attracting new sources of capital, accelerating network expansion, improving pricing, enhancing quality of service, introducing of new technologies and providing access to ICT resources to all citizens at affordable prices.

The expansion of our telecommunications facilities must go side by side with the development of the human resource capacity that will support the industry. We must develop knowledge, skills and competencies to understand, plan and deploy the complex networks of wireless systems, fiber optics, satellite systems, computers, Internet webs and a host of other telecommunications and information technologies.

Manpower requirements for ICT infrastructural development does not only stop with the engineers and technicians. Well trained personnel in other specialist areas such as financial planning, law, accountancy consultancy services, business management, personnel management, among others, are also required. Such skilled staffs, which are mostly needed in the middle and upper management levels, need to be well trained and up-to-date. Network operators should see development of human capital as an integral aspect of their investment in network expansion in order for such network elements to perform optimally.

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Telecom

Why Econet Wireless is Switching to VFEX

Published

4 days ago

December 19, 2025

Ebere Melum-Nwogbo

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After nearly 30 years on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE), Econet Wireless, the country’s biggest technology company, is preparing to leave the bourse and move its property and infrastructure assets to the US dollar-based Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX).

Why Econet Wireless is Switching to VFEX

Econet plans to spin off its towers, property and power installations into a new company, Econet InfraCo, which will be listed on the VFEX. Its mobile network operator business will be delisted from the ZSE.

Econet believes the market has failed to properly value its business and its assets. At the time Econet first released a cautionary on December 3, its market capitalisation was the equivalent of US$628 million.

A rally over the past days has lifted it to a market capitalisation – the number of shares times the share price – to around US$1 billion.

“For the last several years, the company has traded at a significant discount to its peers across Africa which trade at 6 – 8x EV/EBITDA.

“These peers have all already separated and realised value from their tower infrastructure whereas the company still owns its tower and other passive infrastructure which the company has now housed under a separate infrastructure company to be listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange,” Econet said.

Econet will keep 70% of Econet InfraCo, with up to 30% used to settle an offer to shareholders who do not wish to remain invested.

The company argues that infrastructure assets are better suited to the VFEX, which trades in US dollars and attracts investors familiar with property and long-term infrastructure.

“Unlike the mobile network operator business in Zimbabwe, infrastructure assets represent a different class of investment, one that is better understood and valued within USD-based property and infrastructure markets.

“This is demonstrated by the higher Price-to-Earnings multiples at which listed real estate and infrastructure companies trade on the VFEX,” the company said.

Econet dominates Zimbabwe’s mobile market, with 88% of voice traffic, 82% of data usage and 73% of all subscribers. It has built the largest portfolio of telecoms assets.

By the end of the second quarter, it had 234 5G sites, 1,700 LTE sites, 1,900 3G towers and 2,860 2G locations.

In the half-year to August alone, it added 27 new 2G–4G sites and 100 new 5G sites.

In addition to these locations, Econet also holds other properties and power assets, including solar installations, Tesla batteries and generators.

The move follows a well-established trend in Africa.

MTN and Airtel Africa sold towers in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Kenya to independent operators like IHS Towers and Helios Towers. Vodacom, Orange and Telkom South Africa have also carved out tower units through sale-and-leaseback deals.

Credit: Newsday

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Telecom

Qualcomm Completes Third Edition of Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2025

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Qualcomm Technologies Inc. has announced the successful completion of its third annual Make in Africa (QMIA) Startup Mentorship Program, marked by the virtual Make in Africa Finale 2025. The initiative underscores Qualcomm’s long-term commitment to fostering Africa’s vibrant innovation ecosystem through the broader Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform.

Highlights:

The 2025 Qualcomm Make in Africa program supported ten innovative startups from Kenya, Tunisia, Nigeria, Benin and Senegal, each addressing local challenges by developing tech-enabled solutions across critical sectors such as healthcare, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and mobility.
This year, the program attracted more than 400 applications from 19 countries, showcasing remarkable talent across the continent.
Farmer Lifeline, of Kenya, was announced as the 2025 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund winner, recognizing its impactful use of wireless technology.
Applications for Qualcomm Make in Africa 2026 are now open. Applicants can visit the Qualcomm website to apply.

As a flagship initiative of Qualcomm, the equity-free program shines a spotlight on the creativity and drive of African founders leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, 4G/5G, robotics, connectivity and IoT to address pressing real-world challenges.

Now in its third year, the program remains steadfast in its mission to accelerate early-stage technology startups by providing tailored mentorship, targeted business coaching, expert engineering consultation and comprehensive intellectual property protection guidance – exemplified by resources such as Qualcomm’s L2Pro Africa training. This holistic support empowers founders to transform their visionary ideas into sustainable, market-ready solutions.

“This year’s cohort has demonstrated incredible ingenuity, transforming complex challenges into scalable, tech-driven solutions that will drive social and economic impact across the continent,” said Elizabeth Migwalla, Vice President International Government Affairs, Qualcomm Incorporated.

“Innovation is the driving force behind Africa’s future, and this year’s startups are a brilliant demonstration of that. The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) is proud to partner with Qualcomm for the Make in Africa 2025 program,” said John Omo, Secretary General of the ATU. “We are working to harmonize spectrum management policies, regional standards, and open data practices, but we know that true progress relies on large-scale support. That’s why we call on governments, universities, investors, and industry to support these initiatives – and any endeavor that places African ingenuity at the forefront.”

The 2025 cohort includes the following groundbreaking startups:

Aframend (Nigeria): Uses AI to explore African medicinal plants for new drug discovery and aims to turn local remedies into safe, affordable treatments for diseases.
AmalXR (Tunisia): Offers AI-powered virtual rehabilitation sessions on everyday devices, enabling easy patient and clinician progress tracking.
Archeos (Benin): Automates fish farming with solar-powered sensors and feeders, providing real-time data on water quality and feeding levels for improved fish health.
ClimatrixAI (Nigeria): Installs connected weather and flood stations with an AI platform to forecast street-by-street risk, enhancing early warnings and disaster response for local communities.
Ecobees (Tunisia): Builds smart hive monitors and a digital platform for real-time insights into beehive-health, to protect bees and crops that depend on them.
Edulytics (Senegal): Applies AI on handheld ultrasound devices for early detection of liver disease, aiming to make this special screening widely accessible.
Farmer Lifeline (Kenya): Deploys small, solar-powered devices that scan fields for pests and diseases and send alerts straight to farmers’ phones to protect crops.
Pollen Patrollers (Kenya): A women-led agritech startup using connected hive technology and AI to keep bee colonies healthy.
Solar Freeze (Kenya): Provides solar-powered cold rooms with remote monitoring enabling farmers to keep fruits and vegetables fresh and increase earnings.
Pixii Motors (Tunisia): Designs electric scooters with smart batteries that can be swapped in and out at local stations, aiming to revolutionize urban mobility.

Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund Winner

Kenyan innovator, Farmer Lifeline, was announced as the winner of the 2025 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund. The fund, sponsored by Qualcomm® Wireless Reach™ Initiative, champions the innovative use of wireless connectivity to address pressing community. As the winner, Farmer Lifeline will receive dedicated funding and tailored technical support to scale its groundbreaking solution.

“Farmer Lifeline stood out with its innovative small solar-powered devices that scan fields to detect pests and diseases. This technology enables local farmers to effectively protect their crops, significantly increase yields, and improve food security”, stated Erica Ciaraldi, Vice President, Wireless Reach, Qualcomm Incorporated.

“Their visionary approach and dedication to agricultural resilience have positioned them as leaders in their field. They are driving meaningful change for smallholder farmers and inspiring others across the continent. This fund will empower them to scale their impact further, enabling broader reach and deeper influence across Africa and the world.”

In recognition of the groundbreaking innovations demonstrated by all finalists, each will receive stipends designed to accelerate their growth, support strategic development and safeguard their intellectual property. This comprehensive support underscores Qualcomm’s commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring these visionary projects can thrive sustainably.

Looking ahead: Launch of Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026

Building on the significant success of previous years, Qualcomm is excited to launch the fourth year of the program in 2026.

Applications for the 2026 Qualcomm Make in Africa cohort can be found at the Qualcomm website.

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Telecom

Fynd Expands Global Footprint, Adds Africa With Surtee Group Partnership

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2025

Ugo Onwuaso

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Fynd, an AI-native retail technology platform backed by Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, today announced its official expansion into South Africa, onboarding Surtee Group – one of the region’s most established luxury and fashion retailers – as its first strategic customer in the market. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for African retail, as legacy brands begin embracing digital transformation to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving consumer landscape.

Fynd

Fynd’s entry into Africa reflects its commitment to enabling digital transformation in high-growth retail markets worldwide. The move also comes at a turning point when South Africa’s e-commerce sector is projected to exceed R130 billion ($7.48 billion) in 2025, capturing nearly 10% of total retail sales – a fourfold increase since 2020.

According to Statista, South Africa is expected to have 11.7 million e-commerce users in 2025, with projections reaching 21.5 million by 2029. This growth is being driven by rising internet penetration, mobile-first shopping behaviour, and increasing trust in digital platforms. To meet rising consumer expectations, businesses are investing in AI and unified commerce platforms. Fynd’s scalable, AI-native stack is built to support this shift, enabling agility, personalisation, and operational efficiency.

“South Africa’s retail landscape is evolving fast,” said Ronak Modi, Chief Business Officer – Global at Fynd. “Consumers expect seamless, personalised experiences across every channel, and retailers need agile, intelligent infrastructure to keep up. Our platform is built to unify disconnected systems, speed up fulfilment, and elevate customer engagement; all without adding operational complexity.”

“South Africa is an exciting addition to our global footprint. The market is digitally ambitious, brand-forward, and ready for intelligent commerce infrastructure. Our goal is to help local retailers unify siloed systems, personalise engagement, and accelerate fulfilment without adding complexity.”

Surtee Group operates 94 boutiques and 2 e-commerce sites, comprising the multi-branded stores Levisons and the mono-brand boutiques, namely, Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Hugo Boss, VERSACE, TOD’S, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace Jeans Couture, Emporio Armani, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Luminance, Paul Smith, Coach, and Armani Exchange. They will implement Fynd’s unified commerce stack, including Storefronts, Order Management System (OMS), Warehouse Management System (WMS), and Clienteling tools to connect in-store and online operations, streamline inventory visibility, and launch brand-specific ecommerce storefronts across its brand portfolio.

While online retail continues to surge, offline sales still represent the vast majority of revenue for retailers in the country. Fynd will enable Surtee Group to unify its offline inventory online, power ship-from-store capabilities, and improve both margins and sell-throughs. Additionally, products like Clienteling will empower in-store teams to engage customers better and drive incremental sales through personalised recommendations and seamless omnichannel experiences.

Fynd’s entry into the market is designed to meet this demand. Its AI-native platform enables real-time stock visibility, ship-from-store capabilities, dark store orchestration, and intelligent customer engagement all within a single scalable solution.

As part of its digital transformation roadmap, Surtee Group aims to consolidate its leadership in luxury and fashion retail while expanding into e-commerce and improving omnichannel agility.

“We were looking for a partner who understood both the technical and strategic dimensions of unified commerce,” said a Surtee Group spokesperson. “Fynd stood out for their proven scalability, consultative approach, and deep experience with global fashion brands, many of which align with our portfolio. Their unified stack enables us to modernise operations while building a connected, brand-first customer experience.”

Fynd has already scaled across India, the GCC, and Southeast Asia, and now adds Africa to its regional presence. With Surtee Group leading the transformation, Fynd is positioned to play a key role in powering unified commerce adoption across South Africa’s growing digital economy.

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