IHS Nigeria, a leading provider of shared communications infrastructure services, had a prominent presence at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31), reinforcing its position as a key driver of Nigeria’s digital transformation and contributor to the development of the nation’s Digital economy.
Held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, from October 6 to 8, this year’s summit, themed “The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030”, convened public and private sector leaders to explore actionable strategies for inclusive economic growth.
IHS Nigeria participated as a platinum sponsor and thought leader, driving conversations on digital infrastructure, innovation, and national competitiveness.
National Visibility and High-Level Engagement
A major highlight for IHS came during the opening day when the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima (GCON) officially declared the summit open. During a tour of the exhibition stands, the Vice president who was received at the IHS booth by Senior executives of the company, commended IHS for her commitment to corporate social responsibility and for her contributions to expanding broadband access and advancing economic inclusion through connectivity.
Plenary Session – “Smart Growth, Digital Leap”
Later that afternoon, IHS hosted a high-profile plenary session themed “Smart Growth, Digital Leap,” moderated by technology leader Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho.
In his keynote address, Mohamad Darwish, Executive Vice President and CEO of IHS Nigeria, stated that “digital infrastructure has become the backbone of national productivity.” He highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, rural connectivity, and digital skills development, noting that bridging Nigeria’s digital divide requires robust public–private collaboration.
Darwish emphasized the need to reposition digital infrastructure, innovation, and talent as “core inputs for economic growth, not peripheral sectors,” while outlining IHS’s contributions; including over 16,000 towers nationwide and 15,000 kilometers of fiber network that power Nigeria’s connectivity backbone.
Panel Discussion Insights
The panel discussion that followed brought together leading voices in technology, finance, and policy — including Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (Founder, Future Africa), Fernando Barros (CFO, I-Systems Brazil), Nneka Enwereji (CEO, CitiBank Nigeria), and Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Discussions focused on how Nigeria can leverage digital infrastructure and innovation as engines of economic transformation. Panelists agreed that achieving “smart growth” requires bold private-sector investment, a stable regulatory environment, and large-scale talent development.
Dr. Tijani highlighted ongoing government efforts, including broadband expansion, AI research funding, and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, emphasizing the need for “policy execution with measurable impact.”
Aboyeji advocated for digital economic zones to serve as innovation testbeds, while Barros urged cross-country learning through data-driven strategies, highlighting case studies from Brazil which Nigeria can learn from. From the finance perspective, Enwereji stressed the importance of predictable policies and transparent governance to attract long-term investment.
The session concluded with consensus that Nigeria’s digital leap depends on three critical enablers namely: infrastructure, investment, and talent, all working together within a clear and innovation-friendly policy framework.
Day 2 – NES31 Design Workshops
On Day 2 of the summit, IHS Nigeria contributed actively to one of the NES31 Design Workshops, which focused on translating discussions into actionable initiatives.
Working groups addressed three priority areas: Value Chain Development, Investment, and Policy and Regulatory Environment, generating practical solutions around traceability, data standards, and inclusive access.
Participants proposed six-month pilot projects emphasizing data integrity, education, and cost efficiency, alongside measurable KPIs to evaluate progress.
The discussions reinforced the role of private-sector innovation in accelerating Nigeria’s digital and economic reform agenda.
Driving Forward
Through its engagement at NES #31, IHS Nigeria strengthened its reputation as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s journey toward a digitally enabled and inclusive economy.
The company reiterated its commitment to expanding broadband infrastructure, supporting national policy reforms, and investing in youth digital skills.
By championing collaboration between public institutions and private innovators, IHS Towers continues to position itself at the center of Nigeria’s digital future; connecting communities, powering industries, and enabling growth.
