Telecom
Social Media a Threat to Telecoms without Innovation – Akano
Tim Akano, founder/ CEO New Horizons Nigeria, in this interview identifies technologies that will shape 2019.
What do you see on the horizons for individuals and businesses, technologically speaking, in 2019?
As you rightly pointed out- the first world Artificial Intelligence news broadcaster was unveiled by the Chinese Xinhua News Agency on November 9 2018: the Ai read news on television and millions of people around the world did not know immediately it was not a human being.
You also will recall the Japanese Pop Star Eiguchi Aimi who took Japan by surprise and for 17 days nobody knew in Japan that Ms. Aimi was not a human being singer but Ai.
You will also recall that in April 2017, a Chinese Ai Engineer, Zhang Jiajia built and married a Robot Spouse for himself named YINGYING in a weeding that was well attended by his parents and friends and conducted in accordance with the Chinese marital Culture and custom.
Also, in October 2017, Saudi Arabia made a first- they named SOPHIA, a robot, as Saudi citizen with human rights.
What does it all add up to? Where are we? And where are we going, technologically speaking?
In my lecture in December 2018 at CMD on Artificial Intelligence and the future of learning- I submitted that Homo Sapiens is in transition, and on a one-way evolution ticket to becoming something else: Homo Deus.
We have bought the ticket, unfortunately- it’s one way- , with zero chances of returning to who we are.
But I would like us to look at the Digital Crystal Ball this year differently from what we used to do in the years past.
I believe it will be more beneficial for everyone- journalist, Entrepreneur, Job seekers, parents and governments if we break it down into Sectors.
Let’s look into 10 areas: Unemployment, FinTech, Telecom, Education, Agriculture, Media, Manufacturing, Homeland Security, Trade, and governance
What do you see as the intersection between Technology and the future of Job? Are we all going to become jobless at the rate at which Robot and Ai are replacing workers?
Yes and No. A friend of mine put it poetically in an article recently in the newspaper ‘’how technology stole our breakfast and is about to eat our lunch’’.
But I disagree with his conclusion.
Technology did not steal anybody’s breakfast rather technology changed our breakfast menu and gave us a new breakfast menu and technology has equally announced that a new lunch and dinner menu list is on the horizons.
It is by putting issues in the right perspective that we can take full benefits of what is and what is to come.
My answer in this sector is relevant to anyone ages 10 to 69 and business organisations as well.
Below are the NEW MENU LIST OF SKILLS that technology wants that can make anyone or organisation to be relevant in the new TECH KINGDOM that we are entering.
The latest LinkedIn research on Skill and employment shows that there are 50,000 professional skills in the world today. But most of these skills will be obsolete in a matter of three to five years. Most of the traditional skills will decline in value. Banking/Finance, Architecture, Accountant, etc will decline because e of technology.
But below are the TEN HOTTEST SKILLS that will grow in demand in 2019 and beyond:
1 Creativity, Innovation and Analytical Reasoning (2) Persuasion, Collaboration, and Adaptability(3) Cloud Computing (4) Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Cyber Security (5) People and Time Management (6) Mobile Application Development (7) Sales Leadership, Customer Service, Digital and Social Media Marketing (8) Animation, Video, Audio, and Game development ( 9) Business Analytics and Competitive Strategies (10) Data Science & Big Data.
The demand of these ten skill-sets by the industry will grow geometrically because we have shortages and businesses are developing along these lines exponentially. If you have children or cousin or brothers or sisters and you don’t want them to be hungry in the new TECH KINGDOM- these are the skills that will be in the greatest demand. Dr Robot will be a better Surgeon than human Doctors in few years’ time. Ai will be a better Pilot than human Pilot, Ai will replace drivers and cars will be electric without engine. Ai will do some Accounting, Architectural, Journalism, Military, Teaching and Engineering jobs.
Everything we are doing will converge on MOBILITY- our phone will become part of us in a new form. It will be engrained in our flesh- this will drive the demands for experts in Mobility and internet of Things. Then when Robot produces in the factory- Peter James and John have to sell to Steve and, Florence. A Buhari or an Atiku will always need the services of Digital Marketing Professionals to sell their candidacy to the electorates: so selling skill, Customer service, Digital and Social medial skills will be in hot demand.
What does Digital Crystal Ball says about FINTECH in 2019?
Obviously, Banking and Financial Industry are the biggest consumers of technology. Therefore, using past years as a guide, FINTECH will continue to dictate the speed of innovation in technology.
Below are the TOP 10 VARIABLES for the financial industry in 2019 and beyond.
They are: (1) Digital only Bank will grow faster than the legacy brick and wall, High street banks (2) There is bound to be bigger cash injection by banks into Digital transformation in order to reduce overhead cost ultimately.
(3) Massive deployment of Artificial Intelligence in customer profiling for credit transaction will happen in 2019 in the banking industry.
(4) Due to the stringent and thick regulatory requirement and compliance for the financial sector- more banks will make use of Ai technologies for compliance purposes.
(5) 2019 is the year of surgically implanted Near Field Communication devices (NFC)
(6) Block chain and Crypto currencies diversification will be massive consequent upon the rise and fall of Bitcoin- we have not seen the end of crypto.
(7) Quantum Computing will become mainstream because of Big Data and Internet of Things (8) GDPR and Digital Marketing for banks will drive the OPT-IN data mining sales model as a way to reach customers
(9) Decentralised App for payment- online payment using decentralised apps will grow because of their relative security vis-à-vis the legacy payment model
(10) Cyber Security- when Marriorit Hotel lost 500 million vital data to cyber thieves towards the end of 2018- that was a passing shot to all the financial institutions that cyber security will become their Centre of gravity in 2019 and beyond.
What has the Digital Oracle got to say on Telecommunications industry in 2019 and beyond?
2019 is the 5G YEAR! – The massive deployment in advanced countries of extra supper fast internet is this year. Towards the end of 2018 a few Smart nations tested the 5G technology and the outcome was awesome.
Finland was the first country in the world to make 5G mobile internet available to individuals and businesses. US AT &T delivered a super-fast internet as a test run for about 5000 visitors using its own hardware and the result was great.
In South Korea, Ericsson, Intel and Korean Telecom connected a moving car to live 5G network as it drove through Soul and the experience of the customers was out of this world. MTN, VODAFONE are two other major players in the 5G race.
But there is one major ‘’BUT’’, Since 5G technology makes use of virtualisation and Internet of Things it , therefore, opens itself up to a wider range of attacks surface. Cyber security will become a major cost- centre for Telco companies in 2019 and beyond.
And both the breakfast and lunch of Telecoms will continue to end up in the stomach of Skype, Whastapp and those social medial stuff that offer communication at the price of Tom Tom sweet to users! My message to Telecom in 2019 is: INNOVATE FAST OR SUDDEN DEATH.
My TOP TEN GAME-CHANGING VARIABLES for Telecoms in 2019 are (1) 5G, (2) Cyber Security: 43% of Telecoms was attacked in 2018 and it took an average of three months to detect
(3) IoT explosion- we are going to witness connection of devices running into billions or even trillions which will require gargantuan data consumption. This is the age of THINGSFICATION
(4) Saturation for Voice business, once Africa gets to seventy per cent penetration then the Telecoms will need to search for growth elsewhere may be a s a CONTENT PROVIDERS (5) OTT and Value added Services- Over- The- Top services fuelled by video streaming and high demand for non-linear media consumption will grow exponentially in 2019.
(6) Cross industry Alliance between Telecoms and Broadcasting companies: Telecoms would begin to acquire companies that are producing entertaining content, for example, popular TV shows, and live sports games among others as a new growth path.
(7) Commoditization of AUGEMENTED REALITY AND VIRTUAL REALITY- Telecoms with a view to differentiating their products and services will begin to use AR,VR on smartphones to empower digital visualizations on real images and enhances customer experience.
(8) Regulations for Telecoms: GDPR, eprivacy regulations among others will drain some cash from the pocket of Telecoms in 2019.
(9) Machine Leaning and Artificial Intelligence: will help in automating and bettering many back-office operations and sundry customer experiences, this will include customer predictive maintenance services.
(10) Save and affordable In-Flight Connectivity System (IFCS) as a game-changer in 2019.
What has Digital Oracle revealed to you concerning 2019 in your Industry?
Technology has entered into classrooms and it will revolutionise the way we teach and learn. These are the TOP TEN TECHNOLOGY VARIABLES that will influence education from 2019 and beyond.
(1)Artificial Intelligence in Education will impact speech recognition, problem-solving, and planning. AI will also drives automation of administrative tasks like students’ grading, creation of smart content in the curriculum, and customisation of the teaching process.
(2) Virtual Reality- Medical students can now watch live simulated surgeries using VR technology,
(3) Gamefication- bringing education video games into classrooms this makes learning more fun and engaging.
(4) Learning Analytics- this will enhance better monitoring of student behaviour and absorption level by utilizing effectively the existing data.
(5) Open Education- the need to make education cheap and accessible will continue to drive the demand for open education at the Higher Education level
(6) IoT learning will enhance personalisation, drive better engagement and skill acquisition. (7) STEAM- because the society is in transition to a technology kingdom the need for STEAM education will increase in 2019.
(8) Green Courseware- everything is going green from electric cars to green classroom.
(9) Game Theory – education is no more going to be on the basis of one-cap-fits all. Game theory allows instructors to choose the most appropriate method for student leaning in a giving situation. (10) Brick and Mortal Education will witness slow growth compared with ONLINE/ Anytime/Live education.
Besides, the awareness to downplay paper qualification in favour of skilled-based education will increase.
Where does it put New Horizons Nigeria?
We have discussed and analysed four sectors: Jobs, Fintech, Telecommunication and education. The remaining six sectors are going to witness the impact of Ai, IoT Cyber Security among others in different ways but equal measure.
With regards to New Horizons Nigeria, you will recall that we are the first company in Nigeria to introduce ICT certification- based training into the Nigeria education curriculum 13 years ago. As at today we produce about 50,000 students yearly under our certification program.
Our determination to add value to Nigerians has always been our driving force.
This is why we are the first company in IT training Industry in 2018 to launch a Comprehensive Robotics Education in High Schools which includes curriculum on 3D printing Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data, Cyber security and Graphics design among others.
Several schools in Abuja and Lagos have signed in for this program. This will help our children to acquire 2019 ICT skills that will make them to be competitive globally.
I can confidently tell you that the schools we partner in Nigeria receive the best of ICT education like their counterparts in Europe and America.
For the rest of us: we definitely cannot beat Technology or slow it down- our best option is to join Technology and provides the skills it wants. This is the only way for prosperity in the new TECH KINGDOM
The recent escalation in the US-Israel conflict with Iran has delivered a sharp reminder of Nigeria’s economic vulnerability. As oil prices surged past $100 per barrel and fuel costs climbed by 35% at Nigerian pumps, a troubling paradox emerged: Nigeria, a major crude oil producer with Africa’s largest privately-owned refinery now operational, still found itself buffeted by global energy shocks originating thousands of miles away.
Zinox
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and resulting disruptions to global energy markets exposed the deeper structural challenge facing Nigeria’s economy. Despite domestic crude production and the operational Dangote Refinery, Nigeria has struggled with rising inflation, which reached approximately 27% in 2025. The crisis illuminated an uncomfortable truth: decades of import dependency have left Nigeria’s economy precariously exposed to external shocks, even in sectors where the country possesses natural advantages.
This vulnerability extends beyond energy. Nigeria’s technology sector offers a particularly instructive case study in the costs of import reliance, and the transformative potential of local capacity as the pathway to economic stability and technological sovereignty.
Against this backdrop, Zinox Technologies stands as a compelling counternarrative. Founded in 2001 by technology entrepreneur Leo Stan Ekeh, Zinox operates West Africa’s only computerized digital assembly plant. As Nigeria’s first indigenous computer manufacturer, Zinox demonstrates what becomes possible when vision, investment, and commitment to local capacity converge.
The company’s reach extends beyond traditional computing. Zinox’s innovation spans renewable energy through iPower and home electronics with iTEC, addressing Nigeria’s chronic power challenges with locally-assembled solar solutions and backup systems designed for Nigerian conditions. This diversification reflects sophisticated understanding: true technological sovereignty requires integrated capabilities.
Zinox’s journey offers a clear case study in how indigenous companies can drive transformation. By focusing on local assembly and manufacturing of computer hardware and digital devices, the company has contributed to building a domestic technology ecosystem that supports government institutions, educational systems, and private enterprises. This approach not only reduces reliance on foreign imports but also creates jobs, transfers knowledge, and strengthens national capacity.
The implications are significant. Every locally assembled device represents a step away from foreign exchange exposure. It also signals a shift in mindset — from consumption to production. In a country where demand for technology continues to rise, especially with the acceleration of digital adoption, the importance of local manufacturing cannot be overstated.
Beyond economics, there is also a strategic dimension. Technology is no longer just a commercial tool; it is a defense tool and a national asset. Countries that control their technology supply chains are better positioned to innovate, secure their data, and compete globally. In this context, companies like Zinox are not merely businesses; they are enablers of national development.
Furthermore, local capacity development has a multiplier effect. It stimulates ancillary industries such as logistics, retail, maintenance, and technical services. It also fosters entrepreneurship, as more Nigerians gain access to affordable and reliable technology tools needed to participate in the digital economy.
Yet, while progress has been made, there is still work to be done. Scaling local manufacturing requires sustained policy support, infrastructure investment, and a deliberate focus on skills development. It also calls for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to create an environment where indigenous innovation can thrive.
Encouragingly, the momentum is building. There is a growing recognition that Nigeria must move beyond being a consumer market to becoming a production hub. This shift is not only necessary, it is urgent. Global uncertainties will continue to test economies, and only those with strong internal capabilities will remain resilient.
The current global crisis offers clarity. If the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened or supply chains to imports are fractured, only countries with strong domestic manufacturing capacity will weather the storm. Those dependent on imports suffer disproportionately.
The story of Zinox Technologies underscores what is possible. It shows that with the right mix of vision and execution, Nigeria can chart a new course, one defined by self-reliance, innovation, and sustainable growth. As the country navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, the message is clear: the future belongs to economies that build, not just buy.
Bharti Airtel has announced a major milestone in its global operations, crossing 650 million mobile subscribers worldwide, a scale that now positions the company as the second-largest telecommunications operator on the planet by customer base.
Crossing this threshold reflects a network of immense scale, the capacity to reach customers across diverse markets with consistent quality, and the ability to deliver experiences shaped by sustained innovation.
In Nigeria, Airtel has continued to scale infrastructure at a pace unmatched in its recent history. Over the past three years, the company has increased its national site count from just above 13,000 to nearly 17,200 sites, including more than 1,560 added in the last twelve months. This expansion deepens capacity in high-demand corridors and extends high-speed coverage to previously underserved regions.
The latest industry data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) underscores the significance of this growth. As of December 2025, Nigeria recorded 145,141 base stations across 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G layers. Of this national infrastructure, Airtel accounts for 46,918 base-station layers, reflecting its substantial contribution to the country’s radio access network and its push to absorb rising data consumption.
Nearly 99 percent of Airtel Nigeria’s sites are now 4G-enabled, positioning the operator as one of the few with a near-ubiquitous high-speed broadband footprint. Thousands of sites have been upgraded for capacity in the past year alone, enabling improved speeds and more stable performance during peak usage.
That expansion underpins Nigeria’s rising internet adoption. According to the latest regulator figures, Nigeria’s internet penetration recently climbed above 50%, with Airtel recording among the largest monthly increases in new internet subscribers, driven by network upgrades across states and rural corridors.
Strategic Connectivity and Redundancy
Airtel is also tackling a critical infrastructure challenge for the Nigerian digital economy: reliance on a single international internet gateway. The company is advancing plans for its second submarine cable internet breakout point at Kwa Ibo in Akwa Ibom State, early in the 2Africa cable system rollout, to provide faster and more resilient national connectivity across regions. This significant investment aligns with global best practices in network diversity and redundancy, ensuring a more stable digital experience for consumers and enterprises alike.
Digital Finance at Scale: SmartCash
Airtel’s digital finance arm, SmartCash, has gained traction in Nigeria’s competitive mobile money ecosystem, now serving over 3 million active users. The platform is supported by an expansive agent network and digital services that lower barriers for everyday financial transactions and savings.
Outstanding Human Touch: Retail Reach
Across Nigeria, Airtel’s retail distribution network stands as one of the sector’s most extensive, with approximately 4,000 exclusive outlets bringing services, support, and products closer to customers in small towns, communities, and high-traffic urban hubs. That footprint drives both access and engagement in a market where localized presence remains a competitive differentiator.
As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to evolve, Airtel is committed to sustained innovation — from expanded fibre backbones and advanced mobile broadband to future-ready services that include satellite-enabled solutions and enterprise-grade digital platforms. These efforts help ensure that connectivity, commerce, and creativity thrive across Nigeria and beyond.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that compensation of subscribers for poor service quality, such as persistent network outages or failed calls is automatic.
This initiative aims to ensure fairness by mandating that operators provide automatic compensation, such as airtime credits, for failing to meet regulatory Quality of Service Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
According to the NCC, operators are required and mandated to identify affected subscribers and provide compensation directly.
In a framework for compensation of consumers published on its website, NCC said that it has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to compensate subscribers affected by prolonged or repeated poor quality of service experience within specific Local Government Areas where operators fail to meet regulatory Quality of Service Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
The NCC also stated that the directive does not replace existing consumer protection mechanisms.
The NCC, said the directive adds a direct compensation mechanism for affected subscribers and aligns with measures set in existing legislations such as the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024 and the Quality of Service Regulations 2024.
This directive applies to only Mobile Network Operators licensed and operating in Nigeria that have failed to meet their Key Performance Indicators on Quality of Service. For Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating in Nigeria, a compensation framework is already in place.
To be eligible to receive compensation
. You experienced poor network service in an affected Local Government Area; and
- You made at least one outgoing revenue generating event (billed call, SMS, or data session) during the relevant period.
The compensation covers service failures affecting voice, data, or SMS services.
Operators are required and mandated by existing regulations to monitor their network performance across locations and service disruptions against Quality of Service KPIs.
This enables them to identify affected subscribers without the need for individual complaints.
Only service failures that fall below the defined thresholds set by the Quality of Service Regulations issued by the NCC will qualify for compensation.
Short, isolated interruptions and immediately remedied interruptions may not qualify
Compensation will be provided in the form of airtime credits.
This airtime credit will not have utilisation restrictions, and subscribers will be able to use it for voice calls, USSD sessions, data subscriptions, etc on the operators’ network.
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