E-Business
IDC Proffers Solutions to Africa’s Failing MVNO Environment

Despite the strong growth of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) globally, the majority of MVNO efforts in Africa to date have been unsuccessful despite happening in countries offering favourable market conditions and plentiful opportunities.
That’s according to new insights from global IT market intelligence firm International Data Corporation (IDC), whose latest report shows that while the number of MVNOs has increased globally in recent years, the trend remains in its infancy in Africa, with the continent playing host to less than 1% of the world’s 1,000 MVNOs.
“The MVNO situation is different in Africa because of several challenges such as a lack of regulatory support, poor business models and strategies, low ARPUs, market saturation in some countries, fear of competition, and resistance from incumbent mobile telcos,” said Leonard Kore, a research analyst for telecommunications and media at IDC East Africa. “Despite this, opportunities do exist, and a number of MVNOs have been launched on the continent, especially in Kenya and South Africa. Fast-developing telecommunications markets such as South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco exhibit high mobile penetration rates and oligopolistic market structures, necessitating the need for MVNOs that focus on niche market segments.”
IDC believes some of the key factors driving the potential for MVNO growth in Africa are the existence of strong local brands, low barriers to entry, decreasing interconnection rates, emerging niche segments and the ability to generate alternative revenue streams for host telcos.
The rise of MVNOs across the continent is likely to bring a number of advantages, including greater competition.
This will drive improved quality of service (QoS) levels courtesy of increased network infrastructure investments, increased innovation, improved customer experience, and competitive pricing in some markets.
“IDC is seeing a trend where subscribers in some African countries are seeking many value propositions from their operators, including mobile money services, low pricing, extended network coverage, 3G or 4G services, affordable data packages, and unlimited plans, among others,” said Kore. “We are now seeing customers purchasing dual-SIM phones to accommodate more than one operator. A multi-SIM environment lowers the cost of customer acquisition in a market where users rarely change operators; this provides hope for new MVNO entrants that offer the right services. The best example of this is in Kenya where Equitel, a new MVNO, is trying to challenge the status quo by offering thin SIM card technology.”
“The key opportunities for MVNOs looking to operate in Africa include mobile money, discount services, triple-play services, OTT and VAS, roaming solutions, and public WiFi,” continues Kore. “There will also be opportunities in the future for those offering M2M/IoT solutions. For MVNOs to take advantage, they need to leverage partnerships with strong local brands and distribution networks, negotiate the right wholesale agreement, ensure operational excellence and avoid sparking price wars. MVNOs should adapt to local market dynamics and needs, and aim to host and control in-house critical elements (e.g., business intelligence/analytics, customer relationship management, and the billing platform) as this will enable them to access vital customer and market information in a timely fashion. At the same time, regulators are also urged to create a supportive regulatory environment that will help position African countries as possible MVNO destinations.”
IDC’s report ‘The MVNO Opportunity in Africa’ (IDC #CEMA23487) provides an insight into the MVNO landscape in Africa. It assesses the key drivers and inhibitors of MVNO growth, while looking at the key opportunities for MVNOs in the future. The report also provides some key strategic recommendations for current and potential entrants in the MVNO ecosystem.
International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries worldwide. For more than 50 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world’s leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com.
IDC in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey
For the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey region, IDC retains a coordinated network of offices in Riyadh, Casablanca, Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg, and Istanbul, with a regional centre in Dubai.
E-Business
Lagos Unveils Cybersecurity Guidelines to Tackle Rising Digital Threats

Lagos state government has unveiled a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines designed to enhance digital safety for businesses, public institutions, and residents across the state.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor
Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for Information and Strategy, said the initiative represents a significant step in Lagos’ ambition to establish itself as a smart, secure, and globally competitive digital hub.
He noted that as one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology ecosystems, Lagos is increasingly exposed to cyber threats, necessitating stronger and more coordinated security measures.
Citing data from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Omotoso, said Nigeria loses over $500 million (about N250 billion) annually to cybercrime, emphasizing the urgency of proactive interventions.
According to him, while the state’s transition into a smart city offers vast opportunities, it also heightens vulnerability to digital attacks.
“The guidelines, available online, provide practical and scalable recommendations for small businesses, large enterprises, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” he said.
He added that the framework aligns with key national regulations, including the Cybercrime Act (2024), the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023), and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (2021).
Omotoso emphasised that the document is not intended as a regulatory instrument but rather as a resource to equip stakeholders with actionable and context-specific guidance.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to fostering a secure digital environment that supports innovation, attracts investment, and strengthens public confidence.
The commissioner commended the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, led by Prof. Fene Osakwe, for its contribution to the development of the guidelines, and also acknowledged Tubosun Alake, commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, for his support.
He added that the framework is expected to boost collaboration between the public and private sectors, enabling organisations, from small enterprises to multinational firms, to operate more securely.
Omotoso further noted that the guidelines would be reviewed periodically to keep pace with emerging threats and evolving technologies, stressing that cybersecurity remains central to Lagos’ digital transformation agenda.
E-Business
Laundry Without Interruptions: Why LG Auto Restart Washing Machines Are Perfect for Nigerian Homes

In many Nigerian households, laundry day often comes with an added challenge, unpredictable power supply. A washing cycle that suddenly stops due to a blackout can leave clothes half-washed, soaked, and inconveniently delayed. For families with busy schedules, restarting laundry from scratch is not just frustrating, it wastes time, water, and electricity.

LG Electronics addresses this everyday concern with a simple but powerful innovation: the Auto Restart feature in LG Twin Tub Washing Machines. Designed with real-life Nigerian conditions in mind, this feature ensures your laundry continues seamlessly, even after an unexpected power outage.
Understanding the Auto Restart Feature in LG Washing Machines
The Auto Restart feature allows an LG washing machine to automatically resume its wash cycle from the exact point it stopped when power is interrupted. Instead of resetting the cycle or requiring manual input, the machine retains the previous settings and continues washing once electricity is restored.
This intelligent design removes the need to:
- Restart the wash cycle manually
- Guess how long the clothes were already washed
- Repeat washing unnecessarily
For households experiencing frequent power cuts, Auto Restart turns a common inconvenience into a non-issue.
Why Power-Friendly Washing Machines Matter in Nigeria
Power outages remain part of daily life across many parts of Nigeria. From urban centres to rural communities, sudden electricity interruptions can disrupt household routines, especially when appliances are running.
Traditional washing machines often reset completely after power failure. This can result in:
- Incomplete washing
- Over-washing clothes when cycles are restarted
- Increased water and electricity usage
- More time spent monitoring the laundry
LG’s Auto Restart feature is designed specifically to overcome these challenges, making it a highly practical solution for Nigerian homes.
Key Benefits of LG Auto Restart for Nigerian Households
- Uninterrupted Laundry Experience
With Auto Restart, you don’t need to stay close to your washing machine or worry about power restoration while you’re away. The machine takes care of itself and resumes washing automatically.
- Saves Time, Water, and Energy
Restarting a wash cycle means using extra water and electricity. Auto Restart ensures that no part of the wash is wasted, helping households operate more efficiently.
- Protect Your Clothes
Repeated washing or incorrect restarting can lead to fabric wear. By continuing from the correct wash stage, LG Auto Restart helps maintain proper fabric care.
- Ideal for Busy Families and Professionals
Whether you’re managing a large household or balancing work and home responsibilities, Auto Restart ensures laundry doesn’t become another task that demands constant attention.
LG Twin Tub Washing Machines: Built for Real Living
LG Twin Tub Washing Machines are widely appreciated in Nigeria for their durability, affordability, and strong washing performance. Combined with Auto Restart, these machines become even more responsive to local household needs.
Other features include:
- Powerful wash action for tough stains
- Separate wash and spin tubs for greater control
- Long‑lasting build quality designed for frequent use
- Efficient water usage, especially useful in water‑conscious households
These qualities make LG Twin Tub washing machines a popular choice among Nigerian consumers looking for reliability and value.
Ideal Washing Machine for Areas with Frequent Power Outages
If you live in an area where electricity supply can be unpredictable, choosing a washing machine with Auto Restart is no longer optional but it’s essential. LG washing machines with Auto Restart are especially suitable for:
- Homes with irregular power supply
- Large families with frequent laundry needs
- Users who value convenience and efficiency
- Households looking to reduce water and energy waste
Why LG Washing Machines Stand Out in Nigeria
LG continues to be a trusted name in home appliances across Nigeria due to its focus on durability, smart features, and customer-centric innovation. By designing washing machines that work reliably under local conditions, LG reinforces its position as a brand that understands and responds to everyday challenges.
From Auto Restart technology to powerful wash performance, LG washing machines provide practical solutions that simplify daily life.
Final Thoughts: Less Stress, More Control Over Laundry
Laundry should not depend on the perfect electricity supply and with LG Auto Restart washing machines, it doesn’t have to. By automatically continuing wash cycles after power outages, LG helps Nigerian households enjoy greater convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind.
For anyone searching for the best washing machine for power cuts in Nigeria, LG washing machines with Auto Restart offer a smart, reliable, and stress‑free solution – every wash, every time.
For more information, visit https://www.lg.com/africa/twin-tub-washing-machines
E-Business
Access Holdings, Coronation Partner Tate Modern to Spotlight Nigerian Modernism

Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group have partnered with Tate Modern to commemorate World Art Day with a virtual session highlighting the global significance of Nigerian modernism.

Access Holdings
The event, titled “In Conversation with Osei Bonsu: Inside Nigerian Modernism,” featured a virtual tour of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition and discussions on the evolution of modern art in Nigeria.
The session brought together staff members across both organisations, reflecting growing institutional engagement with arts and culture as a driver of societal development.
Speaking at the event, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer of Coronation Group, Ngozi Akinyele, emphasised the role of art in shaping identity and national development.
She said that beyond financial capital, cultural and intellectual capital are essential in defining a nation’s prosperity and inspiring dialogue.
Akinyele noted that both organisations were committed to democratising access to art, ensuring it is accessible to a wider audience rather than a select few.
The discussion also featured insights from Tate Modern Curator, Osei Bonsu, and art expert Daniel Wallis, who examined the development of Nigerian modernism and its global relevance.
Bonsu said Nigerian modernism represents an independent reimagining of global art, rooted in the country’s diverse cultural heritage and expressed through unique visual languages.
According to him, the movement challenges narrow, Eurocentric definitions of modernism and highlights the richness of African artistic expression.
The session further underscored the growing international recognition of Nigerian art, particularly through exhibitions at Tate Modern.
Participants also reflected on the visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the exhibition, described as a milestone in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage globally.
In his closing remarks, Chief Communications Officer of Access Holdings, Amaechi Okobi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing African narratives on the global stage.
He said the collaboration with Tate Modern aligns with broader efforts to promote dialogue, preserve cultural identity and support the creative sector.
The event reinforced a shared commitment by Access Holdings, Coronation Group and Tate Modern to elevate African art globally and ensure Nigerian cultural narratives continue to shape international conversations.
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