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Etisalat Pledges Support to Growth of SMEs

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Lucas Dada, director, Business Segment at Etisalat Nigeria has reiterated his company’s support to the growth of small and medium enterprises in the country.

Dada who stated this at the last edition of the Etisalat Market Access for 2013 put together by Etisalat Nigeria, and the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan-Atlantic University, to support growth of small and medium enterprises, said Etisalat was particularly committed to building formidable SMEs in Nigeria, by creating capacity and opportunities for the young business owners to gain access to the larger market.

‘Being five years old ourselves, we recognize the importance of a strong start. Etisalat has achieved 16 million subscribers, since its launch in 2008, thanks to customer-focused strategies, innovation and diligence. We have realized that the small and medium enterprises run on their own steam and so there is need for platforms that bring them in contact with big businesses and executives from various sectors. They can network and build partnerships from here. From our previous sessions across the country, we have produced success stories of entrepreneurs who expanded their network and went ahead to clinch contracts. The Etisalat Market Access is about adding value to the small business owner and in the long run, building Nigeria’s economy,’ he said.

Dada disclosed that Etisalat Nigeria had developed the network’s Easybusiness service platform and the new Easybusiness Millionaire Hunt, specifically with the young and upcoming entrepreneurs in mind. ‘Easybusiness is a Close User Group (CUG) for business owners so they can spend less on contacting employees and suppliers.

They can register up to 100 employees in the CUG, call as many customers as they want with no restrictions and even send free SMS.

The Easybusiness Millionaire Hunt on the other hand is an initiative launched to empower SMEs with grants worth N20 million, free training at the EDC, office equipment and mobile devices. Easybusiness from Etisalat aims to help entrepreneurs realise their business ideas.

At Etisalat, we believe SME is the bedrock of leading economies and it is our duty to contribute our quota to the economy by nurturing emerging business owners,’ he said.

Alhaji Bature Umar Masari, director general of the Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), represented at the event by Oguche Agudah, Special Assistant (access to finance) to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, said the significance of Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) in the growth, productivity and competitiveness of the economies of developing countries is unquestionable.

‘Not only do they provide employment and income for the bulk of the population, they have been acknowledged as critical breeding and nurturing grounds for domestic entrepreneurial capacities, technical skills, technological innovativeness and managerial competencies for private sector development. Consequently, I want to specifically express my appreciation to Etisalat Nigeria, the EDC, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and other stakeholders for supporting and putting this innovative and important forum together for the benefit of small and growing businesses in Lagos,’ he said.

Young and upcoming entrepreneurs across Nigeria have come to accept the Etisalat Market Access as a platform that helps them expand their network, learn how to grow their businesses and showcase their emerging businesses to other business owners, potential clients and leaders from various sectors of the economy.


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GSMA Report Highlights Telecom Sector’s Contribution to Nigeria’s GDP

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A recent Groupe Spécial Mobile Association (GSMA) digital economy report has cast a spotlight on the significant contributions of Nigeria’s telecom sector to the nation’s GDP, highlighting its crucial role in driving economic growth and development.

Released amidst growing interest in the Nigerian telecom landscape, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sector’s impact on the country’s economic metrics. Key findings reveal that in 2023 alone, the telecom sector directly contributed 8% to Nigeria’s total GDP. However, when factoring in the wider ICT industries’ value-added contributions, this figure surged to an impressive 13.5%.

Beyond mere numbers, the report delves into the intricacies of the telecom sector’s influence on various economic sectors. It elucidates how the mobile industry’s cumulative contribution to Nigeria’s GDP reached an estimated 20 trillion NGN in 2023, accompanied by substantial tax revenue contributions totalling 2.8 trillion NGN. Such figures further highlight the sector’s role in driving fiscal revenues and national economic stability.

Moreover, the report sheds light on the transformative potential of the telecom sector in enabling digitalisation across key industries. Projections indicate that by 2028, sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, transport, trade, and government are poised to witness a remarkable GDP increase of approximately 2 percentage points.

This surge is expected to generate an additional NGN 1.6 trillion in tax revenue, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for economic diversification and resilience.

“The telecommunications sector is the backbone of the digital economy. We have a strong appreciation of the fact that if we are able to improve the business environment and invest in the sector, we can continue to improve the level of productivity.

A country like Nigeria has significant opportunities to contribute to the world, but this is impossible without diversifying the economy”. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy added.

The report also highlights the vital role of 5G networks in enhancing operational efficiency across sectors through real-time data transmission and remote monitoring.

It spotlights the immense potential of digitalisation in sectors like manufacturing and trade, with the capacity to add trillions in industry value and generate substantial employment opportunities and tax revenues.

Despite these promising revelations, the report also acknowledges the challenges faced by the telecom sector, particularly its capital-intensive nature.

The report’s findings beckon a clarion call for concerted efforts to leverage the telecom sector’s potential as a catalyst for economic advancement. With the right policies and investments, Nigeria stands poised to harness the full spectrum of opportunities offered by its vibrant telecom landscape, driving inclusive growth and prosperity for all.


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Tariff Increase Advocacy Gains Momentum as GSMA Report Reveals Industry Insights

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While the advocacy for tariff increase remains under deliberations, revelations in the latest Groupe Spécial Mobile Association (GSMA) digital economy report have watered the ground for an increased tariff increase advocacy. The report, offering a deep dive into the sector’s dynamics, provides compelling arguments for adjusting tariffs to ensure sustainability and growth.

L-R: Juergen Peschel, Chief Executive Officer, 9Mobile; Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, & Digital Economy; Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission; Gbenga Adebayo, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); Bella Disu, Executive Vice Chairperson, Globacom; Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN; Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSM Association (GSMA); Ibrahim Dikko, Chief Executive Officer, Backbone Connectivity Networks Nig. Ltd.; at the GSMA Nigeria Digital Economy Report launch in Abuja on May 9 2024.

Highlighted in the report is the telecom sector’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s GDP. In 2023 alone, it accounted for 8% of the nation’s total GDP, a figure that swelled to 13.5% when considering the broader ICT ecosystem. The mobile industry’s overall contribution to GDP was estimated at a staggering 20 trillion NGN, with substantial tax revenues of 2.8 trillion NGN.

The sector’s potential to drive digitalisation across various domains is of paramount importance. The report projects a significant boost in GDP across sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, transport, trade, and government, translating into nearly 2 million jobs and an additional NGN 1.6 trillion in tax revenues by 2028.

The promise of 5G networks is poised to revolutionise operations, particularly in critical sectors like oil and mining, with real-time data transmission and remote monitoring enhancing efficiency. Digitalisation, especially in manufacturing and trade, holds immense potential for value addition and job creation, promising billions in additional tax revenues.

Despite Nigeria’s noteworthy internet usage figures, with 29% of the population regularly online, the sector faces challenges. The country boasts the lowest-cost data baskets in Africa, yet maintaining competitive mobile data network speeds remains essential. With an average speed of 21Mbps, Nigeria’s performance is comparable to neighbouring countries, underscoring the need for sustained investments.

However, sustaining this growth requires recognizing the capital-intensive nature of the telecom sector. Operators must continually invest in network maintenance and expansion, necessitating a conducive regulatory environment that ensures fair returns on investments.

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, commenting during the report launch, said, “We raised several issues on the state of affairs of the telecom industry, and among the challenges articulated is the return on investment, stability of the infrastructure and the need for pricing rights. As an ecosystem, tariff hike is one of the sensitive issues affecting the telecom sector and has to be addressed by all stakeholders. We need to look at the state of affairs of the industry and examine holistically. There are ongoing obligations to our end users including infrastructure security. Tariff increase is a solution to solve multiple challenges of the telecom industry.“

The GSMA report positions the ongoing tariff adjustment deliberations as a strategic move to secure the sector’s long-term viability. With Nigeria’s digital future at stake, finding a balance between affordability for consumers and sustainability for operators is paramount to ensure continued growth and innovation in the telecom landscape.

 


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The Telecoms Sector Cannot be Used Palliative for Economic Woes –Adebayo

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Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has said the telecoms sector should not be a palliative to solve economic woes.

The Telecoms Sector Cannot be Used Palliative for Economic Woes –Adebayo

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON,

He made this call during his address at the Groupe Spécial Mobile Association (GSMA) digital economy report launch which took place in Abuja.

According to Adebayo, the telecom industry faces numerous challenges that hinder its growth and development.

He emphasized the need for sustainable investment, effective regulation, and a conducive business environment to drive progress.

The GSMA digital report, launched May 9th 2024, 2024, highlights the telecom’s 8 percent contribution to Nigeria’s GDP and 13.5% when considering the broader ICT ecosystem.

The report also highlights the significant challenges plaguing the industry including investment challenges, right of way, multiple taxation, and regulation.

Adebayo highlighted the existence of over 45 associated charges and levies on operators, despite the supposed removal of right of way costs.

He said that it creates an unfavorable business environment, discouraging investment and hindering the industry’s ability to deliver quality services.

He also stressed that regulatory interference and the lack of independence for the regulator exacerbate the problem.

The price review should be a simple regulatory process.

The public debate this has gained makes it appear the industry is insensitive to people’s concern.

“While the government tries to provide incentives for the public on account of ongoing macroeconomic headwinds, the telecoms  sector should not be used as a palliative to solve the people’s problem. We must price right to sustain the industry; we must price right to have the right investment,” , Adebayo said.

He concluded that the industry must be allowed to operate sustainably, with the right investment and regulation, to deliver quality services and drive economic progress; encouraging stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, and operators, to work together to address the challenges facing the industry, in order to drive economic growth, and fulfill its potential as a critical sector in Nigeria’s economy.

 


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