Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is set to converge in Lagos on May 21, 2025, for a high-level strategy session aimed at accelerating mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) development and deepening digital inclusion.
Organised by Africa Hyperscalers, the summit, themed “MVNO Nigeria 2025: Unlocking Growth, Competition & Connectivity,” will bring together key stakeholders to examine the evolving market dynamics reshaping Nigeria’s telecom sector.
The forum comes on the heels of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) issuance of 43 MVNO licenses, a move expected to unlock new levels of competition, innovation and service delivery across underserved market segments.
According to the organisers, the event is structured not as a conventional conference, but as a working session designed to resolve structural challenges in the MVNO space.
Discussions will focus on pressing issues such as regulatory alignment, infrastructure partnerships, and friction between MVNOs and host mobile network operators.
“MVNOs in Nigeria need more than licenses—they need policy clarity, operational trust, and strategic alignment with host operators and regulators,” Africa Hyperscalers stated. “This summit will provide a platform for actionable conversations and policy-to-execution outcomes.”
The agenda places strong emphasis on emerging verticals, including financial technology (fintech) integration, rural broadband expansion, enterprise connectivity and the untapped potential of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. These segments are seen as key to extending Nigeria’s digital footprint and enabling inclusive economic growth.
International case studies will be presented to showcase how targeted MVNO models—supported by clear differentiation strategies and value-added partnerships—have achieved scale and profitability in other markets. These insights are expected to guide Nigerian operators in developing viable, consumer-centric business models.
Industry leaders scheduled to speak include Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON); Dr Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres; Olusola Teniola, Executive at ipNX; and Ayo Oladejo, CEO of DigiPractice.
The summit will feature keynote addresses, technical panels, and a closed-door regulatory roundtable to align commercial strategy with policy direction.
At the core of the forum is the NCC’s MVNO licensing framework, which outlines operational tiers and compliance requirements for virtual network operators.
However, stakeholders have raised concerns regarding onboarding delays, access to infrastructure and limitations in wholesale agreements with host mobile operators.
Participants will examine how to optimise these relationships, improve onboarding protocols, and structure commercially viable agreements that ensure MVNOs can deliver affordable and innovative services to consumers.
The summit also intends to foster collaboration across telecom, financial services, and technology sectors to leverage MVNOs as a platform for service bundling, last-mile delivery, and expanded connectivity in rural communities.
With Nigeria’s digital economy expanding rapidly, telecom executives believe MVNOs have the potential to bridge connectivity gaps, accelerate financial inclusion and stimulate local innovation.
The MVNO Nigeria 2025 forum is expected to generate actionable frameworks to guide future investments, partnerships, and regulatory reforms.
