Calls for stronger collaboration, protection of telecom infrastructure, and greater emphasis on inclusive digital access took centre stage at the 2025 West Africa Telecommunications Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition (WATISE), which ended in Lagos.
The two-day event, hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Lagos, brought together stakeholders from telecommunications, technology, and financial services to deliberate on the theme: “Digitalising West African Economy: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities for Critical Stakeholders.”
In his keynote address, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), highlighted the renewed momentum in the sector, and observed that the telecom industry in West Africa is experiencing fresh growth, with investments reaching their highest levels since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, “telecoms remain the backbone of the digital economy, enabling banking, fintech, telemedicine, education, commerce, and emergency services across the region.”
Adebayo, however, cautioned against persistent challenges such as vandalism, multiple taxation, and Right of Way restrictions, which continue to hinder network expansion, and lauded the Federal Government’s ongoing tax reforms, expected to cut down over 56 levies by January 2026, and appealed to governments across West Africa to provide the right environment for faster digital rollout.
Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), in his goodwill message, said that, the next ten years will define West Africa’s place in the global digital economy stressing “If we build the infrastructure, harmonize policies, and encourage collaboration, we will unlock unprecedented economic growth, create millions of jobs, and give our young population the tools to compete globally.”
He noted that investors must recognize that while risks exist, the upside of digital West Africa is unmatched saying that this is a frontier market with the potential of doubling its digital economy contribution to GDP within a decade.
Dr. Nnenna Achife, Head Commercial Business, Business Development, AfriGo Payment Financial Services Limited, speaking on one of the lead presentations, ‘Leveraging Connectivity And Technology To Transform Card Payment System In Africa,’ revealed how AfriGO is powering card payments through technology and inclusion.
She said that AfriGo has helped to reduce operating expenses through transparent pricing and billing settlement in local currency as well as support welfare and social Intervention programs via providing access to government social intervention programs.
She added that AfriGo has been supportive of Instant merchant credit and same-day settlement to ensure steady cash flow for business operations including promoting cashless economy by encouraging the adoption of affordable electronic payments options, which are (cards).
Achife said that AfriGo is instrumental for the enhanced offline payment to support authorisation where there is limited or unreliable internet access, saying that the Embedded NIBSS Quick Response Code (NQR) has been formidable for the P2P & P2M payment and collection capabilities.
Mr. Adewunmi Adesina, Managing Director of Trade Lenda, in his keynote address, said the digital bank for SMEs are opportunities for Stakeholders to unlock the full potential of digitalisation, noting, “we must act collectively but Governments must invest in infrastructure and harmonise digital policies across ECOWAS.”
He called for private sector players’ collaboration to build scalable platforms that serve the underserved adding that development Partners must support capacity-building and digital inclusion programs.
Adesina said entrepreneurs must continue to innovate boldly, solving local problems with global ambition. “At Trade Lenda, we are proud to be part of this movement providing micro and small businesses with access to credit through digital channels, enabling them to grow sustainably.”
Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Vice President of FintechNGR and MD/CEO of CreditRegistry, cautioned against the risk of “digital apartheid,” where millions of Africans remain excluded as “digital ghosts” from the formal economy.
She stressed the need for inclusive access to data and credit through innovative use of alternative data sources such as mobile usage and e-commerce, warning that failure to act could turn Africa’s youthful population into a lost economic opportunity.
A fireside chat led by the Chief Executive Officer of WTES Project Limited, Mr Chidi Ajuzie and panel session led by a robotic engineer, Mrs Racheal Anorue highlighted the pressing challenges of rising USSD costs, poor connectivity, and risks faced by mobile agents.
Panellists agreed that stronger collaboration, public sensitisation, and technology-driven infrastructure security are key to driving financial inclusion and lowering transaction costs.
At the close of the summit, participants called for the protection of telecom infrastructure against vandalism, harmonised and enabling policies across ECOWAS states, urgent steps to reduce the cost of USSD and digital transactions, greater investment in workforce training and digital security, and regional collaboration to unlock West Africa’s trillion-dollar digital economy potential.
The summit concluded with optimism that with sustained investments, regulatory reforms, and inclusive strategies, West Africa’s telecom and fintech sectors are well-positioned to drive economic transformation across the sub-region.
