The 2025 edition of the West Africa Telecommunications Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition (WATISE) concluded in Lagos with a resounding call for governments, regulators, and industry players to deepen collaboration, protect telecom infrastructure, and accelerate inclusive digital access across the region.
In his opening remarks, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), highlighted that the telecom sector is witnessing renewed growth, with investment levels rebounding to pre-COVID-19 highs. He stressed that telecommunications remain the backbone of West Africa’s digital economy, powering banking, fintech, telemedicine, education, commerce, and emergency services.
Adebayo, however, cautioned against persistent challenges such as vandalism, multiple taxation, and Right of Way restrictions that stifle expansion. He commended the Federal Government’s ongoing tax reforms, expected to reduce over 56 levies by January 2026, and urged ECOWAS states to create enabling conditions for faster digital rollout.
Delivering a goodwill message, Mr. Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), stressed that the next decade will define West Africa’s place in the global digital economy.
“If we build the infrastructure, harmonise policies, and encourage collaboration, we will unlock unprecedented growth, create millions of jobs, and give our young population the tools to compete globally,” he said.
On digital payments, Dr. Nnenna Achife, Head, Commercial Business Development at AfriGo Payment Financial Services Limited, showcased how AfriGo is transforming Africa’s card payment ecosystem through technology and inclusion. She cited transparent pricing, billing settlement in local currency, support for social intervention programs, instant merchant credit, and same-day settlements as critical contributions. She also highlighted AfriGo’s role in enhancing offline payments in low-connectivity areas, leveraging the NIBSS Quick Response (NQR) Code for P2P and P2M transactions.
In his keynote address, Mr. Adewunmi Adesina, Managing Director of Trade Lenda, called for coordinated efforts to unlock the full potential of digitalisation. He urged governments to invest in infrastructure and harmonise policies across ECOWAS, while encouraging private sector players to build scalable platforms serving underserved communities.
“Entrepreneurs must innovate boldly, solving local problems with global ambition. At Trade Lenda, we are enabling micro and small businesses with access to credit through digital channels, allowing them to grow sustainably,” he noted.
Mrs. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Vice President of FintechNGR and MD/CEO of CreditRegistry, warned against the dangers of “digital apartheid,” where millions remain excluded as “digital ghosts” from the formal economy. She advocated for inclusive access to data and credit, leveraging alternative data such as mobile and e-commerce usage, to ensure Africa’s youth are not left behind.
A fireside chat led by Mr. Chidi Ajuzie, CEO of WTES Project Limited, and a panel session chaired by Mrs. Racheal Anorue, a robotics engineer, underscored urgent sectoral concerns — from rising USSD costs to poor connectivity and risks faced by mobile agents. Panelists agreed that stronger collaboration, public sensitisation, and technology-driven infrastructure security are critical to advancing financial inclusion and reducing transaction costs.
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