The recent WATISE 2025 summit highlighted a significant rise in telecommunications investments in West Africa, which presents new opportunities but also carries a set of challenges.
Investment Growth in Telecommunications
West Africa’s telecommunications industry is entering a new phase of growth, having reached investment levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic. This key message was delivered by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, at the WATISE 2025 summit in Lagos. He emphasized that the rise in investment is fueling opportunities across multiple sectors of the economy.
Key Challenges
Despite the growth, Adebayo also noted that challenges such as vandalism, multiple taxation, and Right of Way restrictions continue to threaten network expansion. He welcomed the Federal Government’s recent tax reforms, which are expected to reduce over 56 levies by January 2026.
Future of the Digital Economy
The summit expressed optimism about the future of the region's digital economy. Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, stated that if infrastructure is built and policies harmonized, it will help unlock economic growth. Participants discussed the need for collaborative efforts between government and private sector to create platforms serving underserved populations.
The WATISE 2025 summit underscored that West Africa stands on the verge of significant change, and collaborative efforts are vital to unlock the region's full digital potential.
