Telecom
Report Predicts Instant Growth Path for Airtel
Airtel, the Indian mobile operator with operations in 16 African countries including Nigeria has been predicted to be on the path of ‘instant growth in profit margin’ as initial investment period ends, a new study by Pyramid Research said.
Airtel acquired Middle East operator, Zain’s assets in 15 African countries in 2010 in a deal worth $10 million.
It later added Rwanda in 2011 giving it a total of 16 countries in the continent.
The Indian mobile operator came into the African market with reputation of master of efficiency was predicated to drastically change the competitive landscape in Africa with its performance.
The research evaluated Airtel’s operation in key areas of: “market performance, operational efficiency and capital investments” and concluded that “Airtel is performing very well.”
We see that the operator spent its first year making losses but has been continuously improving and preparing for future profitability. Also, with selective 3G investments, Airtel is attempting to transform into an operator beyond just a minute factory for voice services. The operator may not have a silver bullet to dominate the African markets, but it certainly has the boldness to act as if it has always been there, and it carries a sense of urgency to take corrective action,” said Kerem Arsal, the research author.
Arsal notes that “although the operator’s competitive pricing led to an average 15 per cent decline in voice tariffs in US dollar terms, it played a key role in starting the engine of its “minute factory,” an analogy infamously used to designate the operator’s emphasis on affordable and efficient provision of voice services.
In fact, Airtel’s MoU per subscription in Africa rose by around 14.3per cent last year, while both mobile subscriptions and total revenue grew by more than 20per cent between Q3 2010 and Q3 2011.
Moreover, it is deploying 3G networks selectively in markets where voice services will only be a foundation to build upon rather than its primary stream of revenue.
Secondly, Airtel has been quick to regain its composure in terms of operational efficiency. In one year, it selectively outsourced its key operations and began optimizing its workforce, creating renewed breathing room for future profitability. Finally, Airtel’s relatively weak financial performance in Africa is a result of ambitious capital investments during its entry into the continent, thus a pressure that it builds on itself knowingly. Once its capex/revenue ratio starts normalizing, it will surely post results strong enough to worry any regional competitor.”
Airtel currently is the third largest operator in Nigeria with 23,092,195 subscribers behind MTN (47,440,991) and Globacom (24,124,716) according December 2012 data released by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).
Major findings of the report show that “between Q3 2010 and Q3 2011, the operator improved both its subscriptions and revenue by more than 20per cent.
These impressive rates of growth compare well with those of its major competitors in the region. Investments in 3G networks are now in place, but this is relatively unchartered territory because the operator is up against strong competitors, such as MTN and Orange.
“Operational efficiency has been improving steadily. In one year, Airtel was able to increase its ‘revenue per employee’ figure by 42.4per cent from $47k to $67k.
“Airtel is controlling its costs better through outsourcing agreements. Since 2010, agreements have been made with global vendors and partners for multiple operational aspects that range from network expansion and management to IT and call centers.
“Airtel’s profit margin improvement is likely to be sudden rather than gradual. Once the initial wave of capital expenditures comes to an end, as previously announced, we expect a rapid improvement in EBITDA. In Q3 2011, the capex/revenue ratio hit 56%, a rate that is certainly going to normalize from 2012 onward. However, the eventual profitability will also depend much on whether the operator can manage its debt load of around $9bn accumulated during its entry into Africa.”
Vivo, Chinese smartphone maker has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Credit Direct, Nigerian consumer finance company to launch a device financing programme in the country.
L-R: Toni Liu, CEO, vivo Nigeria, and Chukwuma Nwanze, MD/CEO, Credit Direct, at the MoU signing in Lagos
This initiative aims to remove barriers to smartphone ownership while supporting Vivo’s expansion strategy in Nigeria.
Under the terms of the agreement, customers can purchase a Vivo smartphone by paying 20% upfront and spreading the remaining balance over six months.
Credit Direct will provide the financing.
Both companies target sales of more than 200,000 devices in the first year.
“People who need smartphones but cannot pay upfront can now do so through a payment plan that does not strain their monthly income. Our mission has always been to make financial solutions a universal opportunity, and this is exactly what this represents in practice. I am truly excited about what we can achieve together,” said Chukwuma Nwanze, chief executive officer of Credit Direct.
This initiative comes as smartphone financing programs gain momentum across Africa, where device affordability remains a key barrier to mobile internet adoption.
According to the GSMA, the median cost of an entry-level smartphone in Nigeria fell from $84 in 2018 to $18 in 2024, reducing its share of average monthly income to 26%.
However, currency depreciation and rising living costs have offset much of this progress.
For the poorest 40% of Nigerians, an entry-level smartphone still represents 56% of monthly income, while it accounts for 73% for the poorest 20%, highlighting persistent affordability constraints among vulnerable households.
Despite these challenges, smartphone ownership reached only 27% in Nigeria in 2024, according to the GSMA, leaving significant room for growth.
Data from StatCounter shows that Vivo held a 1.18% market share at the end of March 2026.
The company remains far behind market leader Tecno with 18.72%, followed by Infinix at 16.28%, Samsung at 15.4%, Apple at 14.15%, and Xiaomi at 8.17%.
Other players such as Oppo, Itel, and Huawei also operate in the market.
Nigeria’s foremost payments and financial inclusion dialogue platform, Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 3.0), will hold this Friday, April 24, 2026, at the prestigious Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, bringing together regulators, fintech leaders, banks, policymakers, agent networks, cybersecurity experts, innovators, and ecosystem stakeholders to shape the future of digital payments in Nigeria.
Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 3.0
With the theme: “Fair Digital Payments as a Catalyst for Deepening Financial Inclusion in Nigeria,” PAFON 3.0 comes at a defining moment for the country’s digital economy as stakeholders seek practical pathways to close the inclusion gap, strengthen trust in payment systems, and accelerate access for underserved populations.
Why PAFON 3.0 is Different
“Unlike routine conferences, PAFON is a solutions-driven forum designed to bridge policy conversations with market realities.
“The event uniquely convenes fintech operators, agent banking networks, cooperatives, payment innovators, cybersecurity professionals, and thought leaders under one roof to tackle real challenges affecting Nigerians at the grassroots”, said Peter Oluka, co-convener of Payments Forum Nigeria.
“From digital trust and cybersecurity to agency banking, embedded finance, stablecoins, eNaira, SME growth, and healthcare financing, PAFON 3.0 is positioned as one of the most strategic gatherings in Nigeria’s payments ecosystem this year”, Oluka added.
High-Profile Keynote Speakers Confirmed
This year’s edition will feature a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers and industry leaders, including Prof. Adewale Peter Obadare, chief visionary officer, Digital Encode, and Dr. Jameelah Sherrief-Ayedu, vice president, FintechNGR & CEO, Credit Registry
Other confirmed speakers include, Dennis Ajalie, managing director, TeamApt Ltd.; Mr. Chika Nwosu, managing director, PalmPay Nigeria; Uche Uzoebo, MD/CEO, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF Limited): Special Guest of Honour; Chike Onwuegbuchi, Chairman, Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association of Nigeria (NITRA); Mojeed Abayomi Agboola, national president, Financial Inclusion Agents Multipurpose Cooperative Society (FIAMCS); Ibirogba Oluwagunwa, chairman Lagos Chapter, Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN); Sarafadeen Atanda Fasasi, and president, Association of Financial Inclusion Agents of Nigeria (AFIAN).
Fireside Chat on Africa’s Next Innovators
Another standout session will explore the future of digital currencies and regional interoperability: Stablecoins vs. eNaira: Orchestrating a Unified Digital Payment Rail for West Africa
This special fireside chat, hosted in collaboration with Lagos Blockchain Week, promises fresh perspectives on the next phase of Africa’s payment innovation journey.
Chuwuemeka Enoch Mbaebie, Lead convener of LBW will host the session alongside Senator Ihenyen, Lead Partner of Infusion Lawyers and Founding Trustee of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Association (VASPA); Victoria Oluebube Igboanugo, marketing lead, Lagos Blockchain Week; Chidubem Emelumadu, ecosystem lead (Africa), Lisk, and Harrison Obiefule, Nigerian lead for Superteam.
More Activities Lined Up
Attendees will also experience product demo of Myitura Healthcare Financing Solution;
Townhall Meeting on The State of Agency Banking in Nigeria led by AMMBAN; Goodwill messages from leading institutions and industry associations, and strategic networking with decision-makers across banking, fintech, regulation, media, and innovation ecosystems
PAFON 3.0 is expected to attract C-suite executives, startup founders, regulators, investors, digital payment operators, development institutions, policymakers, and professionals seeking to understand where Nigeria’s payment future is heading.
Participation
Participation is free.
The application deadline for the fifth edition of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) has been extended to April 25, 2026, organisers have announced.
MTN Nigeria Media Innovation Programme
The extension offers additional time for qualified media professionals and digital content creators across Nigeria to apply for the fully funded programme aimed at advancing storytelling and media innovation.
The initiative is sponsored by MTN Nigeria in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU).
Organisers said the 2026 cohort would admit 25 fellows, an increase from the previous 20, in line with MTN Nigeria’s 25th anniversary and its continued commitment to strengthening the country’s media ecosystem.
Launched in 2022, the six-month certificate programme provides participants with training in media innovation, leadership and digital transformation.
It features academic sessions at PAU, industry engagements and an international study visit, including sessions at the University of Johannesburg.
According to the organisers, the programme has produced a growing network of alumni contributing to Nigeria’s media landscape through leadership roles, new media ventures and impactful storytelling.
The programme is open to practitioners across print, broadcast, digital and social media, with applicants expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation and professional development.
Interested applicants can submit their entries through the School of Media and Communication website.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo a rigorous selection process, with successful applicants expected to commence the programme in May 2026.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reports that the initiative is part of broader efforts to equip media professionals with the skills needed to adapt to the evolving digital economy.
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