Osunrinde, who joined Tizeti after twelve years in Africa’s digital infrastructure sector, described his tenure as “an incredible journey,” working alongside CEO Kendall Ananyi and a team committed to bridging the continent’s digital divide.

Under his leadership, Tizeti expanded into new states, forged strategic international partnerships, and delivered year-on-year revenue growth.

“Every challenge was an opportunity to learn, lead, and contribute to bridging Africa’s digital divide,” Osunrinde said. “I am proud to have represented the brand meaningfully and amplified its presence beyond Nigeria.”

Prior to Tizeti, Osunrinde played a pivotal role at MainOne, West Africa’s premier connectivity and data center provider, where he launched wholesale and enterprise connectivity services, helping to establish MainOne as a backbone for internet services across Nigeria and the region.

MainOne, founded in 2010, laid the first privately owned submarine cable connecting West Africa to Europe, transforming bandwidth availability and affordability on the continent.

He also worked at MDXi Data Center, MainOne’s data center subsidiary, where he amplified its data center and cloud service offerings.

In December 2021, MainOne was acquired by Equinix, the world’s largest digital infrastructure company, for $320 million, marking Equinix’s first expansion into Africa and positioning MDXi as a strategic interconnection hub for global and African enterprises.

Osunrinde further consulted at Verraki Africa (a member of Andersen Consulting), advising corporates and governments on technology-driven growth strategies.

His move to Tizeti, he noted, was driven by a deliberate desire to understand the consumer end of the connectivity value chain.

“I knew I lacked firsthand exposure to the consumer end – where the rubber meets the road,” he said. “At Tizeti, I experienced the real challenges ISPs face: backhaul limitations, infrastructure deployment costs, right-of-way bottlenecks, area boys’ fiefdoms, vandalism, and low broadband literacy and purchasing power. But I also experienced the joy of getting previously unconnected people online – where a 30-minute connection once required a full-day trip to town.”

Reflecting on Africa’s broadband landscape, Osunrinde emphasised that connectivity technology should not overshadow the ultimate goal of getting people online. “It doesn’t matter whether connectivity comes via fiber, mobile broadband, satellite, or fixed wireless – what matters is that people are connected.”

While his next move has yet to be officially announced, Osunrinde reiterated his commitment to Africa’s digital transformation.

“There is still so much to be done to improve connectivity in Nigeria and Africa, and I look forward to playing my part in this journey,” he said. “My commitment to Africa’s digital transformation remains stronger than ever. I look forward to creating, collaborating, and supporting initiatives that unlock the continent’s full digital potential.”

His departure comes as Tizeti continues its regional expansion strategy, focusing on solar-powered towers and innovative last-mile connectivity solutions to deepen internet penetration across West Africa.

The groundbreaking initiative aimed at delivering high-speed broadband connectivity to student hostels across seven major universities nationwide.

The “Fibre 2 Hostel” project is being implemented by Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) in partnership with Tizeti, Huawei, and the National Broadband Alliance Nigeria (NBAN).

It seeks to provide secure, high-speed internet access to support online learning, research, digital entrepreneurship, and authenticated digital platforms for students.

The initiative was flagged off at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on May 26, 2025, and subsequently at the University of Abuja on May 28, 2025, marking the beginning of a phased rollout across selected institutions.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, managing director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, described the project as a vital intervention to ensure students across Nigeria are not left behind in the global digital revolution.

“We are committed to creating equitable access to digital resources. This project is not just about connectivity — it’s about equipping our young people with the tools they need to learn, innovate, and thrive in a connected world,” Prof. Adeyanju stated.

The seven universities that would benefit from this Fibre to Hostel project include; University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State, University of Abuja, FCT, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Anambra State, University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Borno State and the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The first two universities have been deployed, while the remaining five will be commissioned in the next couple of months.

At the University of Abuja launch event, Mr. Sani Ibrahim, Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Communications, Galaxy Backbone Limited (who represented the MD/CEO), emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative.

“This project is about empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders with the digital tools needed to excel in today’s global economy,” he said. “It also aligns with the government’s broader broadband penetration agenda and Galaxy Backbone’s mandate to drive digital transformation across the nation.”

Industry stakeholders have applauded the initiative.

Mr. Temitope Osunde of Tizeti hailed the project as “a bold move toward building smarter, future-ready campuses,” noting that it reflects a shared vision for enabling tech-driven academic environments.

In a goodwill message, Mr. Olarinre Adeladan, permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, urged students to leverage the infrastructure to build a better future.

“This is not just about faster internet; it’s about building a more competitive, knowledge-driven Nigeria,” he said. The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, also encouraged students to focus on academic excellence and personal development. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emphasized responsible digital citizenship. In his words to the students; “What you know matters — but what you do with that knowledge matters even more,” he charged students. Student representatives from both UNILAG and the University of Abuja expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government and partners, describing the initiative as “a game-changer” for campus life and learning outcomes.

According to a the statement by Chidi Okpala, head, Corporate Communications at GBB, with successful launches now completed at two institutions, the Fibre 2 Hostel project is set to continue its rollout to the remaining universities in the coming months, marking a major leap forward for digital inclusion and smart education in Nigeria.

The most recent NCC statistics revealed that Nigeria had 219 million active mobile subscribers as of mid-2024, with teledensity hitting 101.4%.

It’s no surprise that mobile data usage is rising meteorically, led by 4G and 5G rollouts. But then, even with these statistics, the leadership of CEOs is what will truly determine whether companies thrive or stumble.

As Africa’s telecom market is projected to reach $66.61 billion by 2025, these CEOs face a common threat: tariff review.

The need to review telecoms tariffs has been trending for quite a long time but became more pronounced since President Bola Tinubu moved to Aso Rock in May 2023. 

The reasons are obvious. As Nigeria moves to deepen its digital economy, the need for telecom operators to upgrade their network infrastructure to deliver more data capacity, cannot be over-emphasized. This is key to a sustainable future. 

For close to 12 years, telecom tariffs have remained static despite the dramatic increase in operating expenses, which have surged by over 300% in the last 18 to 24 months alone. 

We suspect that NCC’s hands might be tied in the sense that President Tinubu’s government might not want an ‘immediate upward review of telecom tariffs due to the backlashes from the famous fuel subsidy removal and the electricity tariff increase – including the ‘Band A-D’ discriminatory service provisioning arrangement. 2025 is also crucial for Nigeria’s economy in terms of development and growth. 2026 is a political year preceding the election year – 2027.

But truth be told, Nigeria’s economy will even sink further if telcos pull the plug. 

The President must summon the courage to surmount the pressure to suffocate the telecommunications industry.

It has become essential to realign telecom service pricing structure with economic realities!

Nigeria has ushered in the high-speed 5G era for AI, Cloud computing, Data science applications, and Blockchain era. Nevertheless, more investments are required towards building a more resilient network such that the operators can meet the regulator’s KPIs.

All of these require significant investments which are sourced from the international markets at costs denominated in US Dollars.

In the past three to four years, for instance, the dollar has gone from exchanging for about N500 to over N1,600.

The challenges continue: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has just authorised the telcos to disconnect nine banks from their USSD platform. Why? These banks have been accused of not paying for services rendered to them by the telcos to the tune of over N200 billion naira.

For the tower companies; a very crucial segment of the market, they are daily faced with issues around fibre cuts, vandalism, inflation and others.

All eyes are on these CEOs. How will the operators continue providing high-quality services and meeting the growing demand for digital connectivity, should the government play down the issue of upward reviews of the tariffs? Tough question, right?

So, Techeconomy presents top 10 telecom CEOs to watch in 2025:

1. Karl Toriola – MTN Nigeria

Under Dr. Karl Toriola’s leadership, MTN has been at the fore of big projects, including the construction of the largest data centre in West Africa and the rollout of 5G services. These initiatives are set to boost the company’s work further in 2025.

The move of MTN into a technology company (Techco) highlights Toriola’s vision for the future, where digital infrastructure and financial inclusion are central to the nation’s economic development. 

His leadership has also led to a focus on affordability, addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians in accessing digital services due to the high cost of connectivity. 

Added to these, Toriola’s recognition as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering in March 2024 speaks volumes about his standing in the industry. This accolade, alongside the launch of a $50 million education initiative aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s STEM education, further shows his focus on societal advancement. 

Karl Toriola, the CEO of MTN Nigeria, was recognized last year when Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) awarded him an honorary doctorate during the university’s 48th Convocation Ceremony. 

This honor, conferred on Toriola alongside other distinguished individuals, reiterated his huge impact on Nigeria’s telecommunications and technological sector. 

Toriola’s efforts to create a more inclusive digital economy, combined with his long-standing career in telecoms, have placed him among the top telecom CEOs to watch in 2025.

2. Dinesh Balsingh – Airtel Nigeria

Dinesh Balsingh was appointed CEO of Airtel Nigeria, has already made a huge impact in his short tenure since taking the reins in November 2024. Having previously served as the CEO of Airtel Tanzania, Balsingh brought a wealth of experience and strategic insight to Airtel Nigeria. 

His leadership has already garnered recognition, with the company winning two awards at the Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards (LaPRIGA) for its environmental initiatives and internal communication excellence. These early successes tell us about Balsingh’s goal of corporate social responsibility and building a strong internal culture within Airtel Nigeria.

Balsingh’s vision for Airtel Nigeria focuses on expanding digital inclusivity and ensuring sustainable growth. He has emphasized the importance of delivering quality services while overcoming the challenges of high costs of operations. His leadership is seen in his approach to tariff adjustments, where he has advocated for necessary price increases to maintain the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector. 

Even with a prospective impact on consumers, Balsingh has promised that these adjustments will be implemented gradually, ensuring that the burden on customers remains manageable while the company continues to invest in infrastructure and service quality.

With a career spanning over two decades, Balsingh’s experience in telecoms and his knowledge of the Nigerian market placed him as a strong leader for Airtel Nigeria in 2025. His past roles, including Chief Commercial Officer and Marketing Director at Airtel Nigeria, provide him with the operational expertise needed to scale through the complexities of the Nigerian telecom market. 

Balsingh’s leadership is expected to drive growth, particularly as Airtel Nigeria focuses on expanding its network and enhancing digital services for underserved areas.

He has also been a vocal advocate for Nigeria’s digital transformation, and his strategic vision aligns with the government’s agenda to ensure economic growth through digital services. He recognizes the increasing demand for digital connectivity across various sectors, such as education, banking, and healthcare, and has committed to strengthening Airtel’s network to meet these needs. 

His leadership style, focused on long-term growth and customer-centric initiatives, will likely position Airtel Nigeria as one of the leading telecom operators in the country in 2025.

3. Ahmad Farroukh – Globacom

Ahmad Farroukh, recently appointed as the CEO of Globacom, has over three decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, Farroukh’s leadership aims to lead Globacom through a critical phase of restructuring and growth. 

His career began in 1995 with Investcom Group, which was later acquired by MTN. Since then, he has held numerous senior leadership roles, including managing director of MTN Ghana, CEO of MTN Nigeria, CEO of MTN South Africa, and Group CEO at Smile Communications Nigeria Limited.

Farroukh has a great record across various telecom markets in Africa and the Middle East, emphasizing his capability to handle high-pressure environments. In 2024, his appointment came as Globacom faced some challenges, including a 69.2% reduction in its subscriber base, attributed to discrepancies uncovered in a regulatory audit. Farroukh is tasked with restoring subscriber confidence and also implementing strategic reforms to improve governance and operational efficiency.

Globacom has faced high competition in the Nigerian telecom sector, and Farroukh’s experience in turning around struggling telecom companies will help in overcoming these challenges. His tenure at Mobily in Saudi Arabia saw him successfully resolve a nearly $1 billion revenue overstatement issue and renegotiate a $4 billion debt. 

His expertise in operational efficiency and restructuring will be needed to revitalize Globacom’s place in the market. 

Furthermore, his discipline in transparency and governance aligns well with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s push for more solid industry standards, making Farroukh’s leadership an essential factor in Globacom’s recovery and growth in the new year. 

He is expected to entrench the culture of corporate governance at Globacom. Can he?

4. Obafemi Banigbe – 9mobile

Obafemi Banigbe’s appointment as CEO of 9mobile in July 2024 has generated anticipation within the Nigerian telecom industry. Banigbe brings with him an extensive background in telecom operations and business strategy across Africa and the United States. 

His career spans influential roles at companies like Celtel (now Airtel), Ericsson, and Millicom, where he shaped operational strategies in Ghana, Tanzania, and several other markets.

In 2024, Banigbe’s leadership is focused on leading 9mobile through its business transformation phase. He is expected to leverage his experience in the telecom, media, and technology sectors to enhance 9mobile’s competitive edge in Nigeria’s highly competitive telecom landscape. 

Banigbe’s appointment aims to enhance customer experience, network quality, and long-term strategic planning to meet the evolving needs of Nigerian telecom consumers.

Banigbe’s vision for 9mobile involves solidifying the company’s presence in Nigeria by building on its existing foundation while exploring new opportunities for growth. He emphasized in his statement that he aims to create value that would transform the Nigerian telecom sector. 

Banigbe’s expertise, particularly his advisory roles with Telecel Group and Nsano Group, places him well to guide 9mobile through its transformation, ensuring it remains a top player in the market. 

His academic credentials, including an MBA from Manchester Business School, complement his professional experience, making him one of the most capable leaders to watch in 2025.

9mobile seeks to enhance itself under Banigbe’s leadership, and the company is expected to introduce innovative solutions and strengthen its place within the competitive telecom market in Nigeria. 

Banigbe’s experience in network support, operations, and strategic planning will be required as he drives the company toward delivering superior customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

From Techeconomy’s estimation, 9mobile requires trillions of naira investment to revitalize its operations and rejig the infrastructure. Can Mr. Banigbe convince the investors? Is 2025 the year of 9mobile? Time shall tell.

5. Adrian Wood – ntel

Adrian Wood’s return to the Nigerian telecoms sector as the CEO of ntel aims to help the company rebrand and compete at a higher level within the market. Having previously served as the CEO of MTN Nigeria, Wood’s wealth of experience positions him to drive significant changes at ntel. 

After taking the role in January 2024, Wood set out with a mission to raise between $500 million and $550 million to restructure the company and expand its network.

In 2024, Wood immediately set to work by engaging with stakeholders, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which took over ntel’s management. His strategy involved introducing new products and services that had not yet existed in Nigeria’s telecom space. Through meetings with potential investors such as African Capital Alliance, Wood demonstrated his commitment to attracting the capital needed for a major network overhaul. 

His vision includes rolling out a 4G/5G network across Nigeria, a move that will reposition ntel in a competitive market and also provide much-needed infrastructure to enhance the country’s digital sector.

In a letter to ntel staff, Wood outlined his long-term plans, including the launch of a new, innovative brand and service combinations that are fresh to the Nigerian market. 

In focusing on high-impact initiatives and establishing partnerships with top companies, Wood is laying the foundation for ntel’s scale-up into a top telecoms player, making him one of the most closely watched CEOs in the industry as he works to secure funding and overcome the challenges of the telecom market.

Can Mr. Wood pull ntel out of the woods?

6. Kendall Ananyi – Tizeti

Kendall Ananyi’s leadership of Tizeti pushed the company to new achievements in 2024, placing him as a top-tier telecom CEO to watch in 2025. Tizeti, known for its solar-powered, unlimited internet services, did great when with the launch of its FreeFiber broadband service across Nigeria and Ghana. 

This new service aims to continuously bolster internet speed and accessibility, with speeds of over 1Gbps—far surpassing the regional average of 28Mbps.

Tizeti’s expansion into new markets, particularly in Francophone West Africa, shows how focused Ananyi is on growth. In addition to enhancing service delivery in Nigeria, the company extended its reach into Côte d’Ivoire and other regions, addressing digital disparities across the continent. 

Under his guidance, Tizeti celebrated its fifth consecutive year of profitability in 2024, making a strong financial performance that allowed the company to distribute its third annual dividend to shareholders.

Ananyi’s vision for Tizeti isn’t just offering high-speed internet; he aims to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable and reliable internet to millions of Africans. The introduction of hyper-mega speeds of up to 1Gbps, combined with the company’s focus on solar-powered infrastructure, makes Tizeti a top company promoting digital inclusion. 

Ananyi’s leadership also includes advocacy for regional expansion, where he emphasized the importance of operating across multiple African countries to reduce currency risks and ensure financial stability. 

His support for education, particularly his scholarship awards to engineering students in 2023, reveals his desire to build future talent in the tech and telecom sectors. 

Is this the year Tizeti will challenge the big four, especially in the data space?

7. Abhulime Ehiagwina – Smile Communications

In 2024, Abhulime Ehiagwina, appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Smile Communications Nigeria, came in with a wealth of experience and strategic leadership. A seasoned financial expert, Ehiagwina has led finance teams in various industries, including telecommunications, infrastructure, oil and gas, and conglomerates. 

One of his achievements in 2024 was his leadership in financial management. His ability to implement effective working capital management strategies for telecommunications companies placed Smile Communications for enhanced financial performance and operational efficiency. Ehiagwina’s record also includes overseeing the issuance of a $250 million Eurobond for Helios Towers Nigeria, which was the first non-bank/Oil & Gas Eurobond issuance in Nigeria. 

Ehiagwina’s work in corporate governance was acknowledged when he was named IT & Telecom CFO of the Year at the Nigeria CFO Awards, revealing his place as one of the most influential leaders in the telecommunications sector.

Under his guidance, Smile Communications focused on repositioning its operations to improve service delivery, enhancing its reputation and strengthening its operations in the Nigerian market. Ehiagwina’s leadership, along with the appointment of Mann El Amine as the Group Managing Director, aims to help Smile Communications expand its footprint and improve its service offerings.

Before his current role, he held senior positions at NATCOM (NTEL), Helios Towers Nigeria, Etisalat Nigeria, and other telecom companies. His expertise in corporate restructuring, operational improvement, and organizational renewal makes him one of the top telecom CEOs to watch in 2025.

8. Sam Darwish – IHS

Sam Darwish, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IHS, continued to drive IHS’s growth and positioned the company as a top player in the global telecom infrastructure market. 

In December 2024, IHS raised $1.2 billion through a bond offering to expand its telecom network across Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. This funding, which included a $100 million commitment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), will refinance existing debt and also boost IHS’s growth initiatives.

IHS’s focus on sustainability was well obvious in its 2024 achievements, particularly through its focus on digital inclusion and economic development. Darwish led the company to secure strategic partnerships, including a notable deal with IFC, which emphasizes digital inclusion, innovation, and job creation in underserved regions. This partnership will further boost IHS’s work to address connectivity gaps, especially in remote areas across its operational regions.

In July 2024, the company held its Annual General Meeting, where several governance reforms were approved, including changes to its board structure and shareholder engagement policies. These measures aim to enhance corporate governance and align the company’s interests with those of its shareholders. 

Another key achievement in 2024 was IHS’s ongoing contract renewals with telecom companies, including MTN and Airtel. These renewals, particularly the multi-year contract extensions with MTN across several African countries, reinforced IHS’s role in Africa’s telecom infrastructure. Again, IHS signed a new 3,950 tenant multi-year roll-out agreement with Airtel in Nigeria, further enhancing its work in the telecom sector.

Even with challenges such as Nigeria’s naira devaluation, IHS continued to prioritize sustainability and growth. In 2024, the company installed solar-powered boreholes in Maiduguri to support flood-affected communities, ensuring environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Darwish’s strategic decisions, corporate governance enhancements, and focus on expanding digital infrastructure make him one of the most influential telecom CEOs to watch in 2025.

9. Soji Maurice-Diya – ATC Nigeria

Soji Maurice-Diya, who previously served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Commercial Director, was appointed as the CEO of ATC Nigeria in August 2024. He has a deep understanding of the telecom infrastructure sector and has been indispensable in ensuring the company’s growth. 

Maurice-Diya’s experience, spanning various sectors including technology, media, real estate, and telecommunications, places him among the top telecom CEOs to watch in 2025.

Under Maurice-Diya’s guidance, ATC Nigeria has made commendable advancements in sustainability. He led a groundbreaking environmental initiative in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), with the goal of planting 6,000 trees across 11 states in Nigeria. 

This initiative reiterated his corporate social responsibility focus and his dedication to environmental conservation in the face of the climate change crisis. Maurice-Diya’s leadership philosophy emphasizes operational efficiency and long-term growth, ensuring that ATC Nigeria is well-positioned to expand its platform and resilience in the years to come.

His previous roles have seen him drive growth at Etisalat Nigeria and IBM, where he contributed to the development of strategic business models and market expansion. Maurice-Diya’s academic credentials, including an MBA in Finance and Strategy from the Yale School of Management, add to his profile as a dynamic and visionary leader. 

In the new year, Maurice-Diya is expected to further boost the company’s place in the Nigerian telecom sector, focusing on innovation, operational excellence, and environmental sustainability.

10. Oladipo Badru – Pan African Towers

Oladipo Badru became the acting CEO of Pan African Towers (PAT) in November 2024. With nearly two decades of experience in the telecom and finance sectors, Badru brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. Prior to his promotion, Badru served as PAT’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), where he helped drive the company’s financial strategies and operational efficiencies. His transition into the CEO role follows the resignation of Azeez Amida, who led the company for two and a half years.

Badru’s leadership comes at a time when the telecom tower infrastructure market in Nigeria is highly competitive. PAT, which currently operates 764 active towers across Nigeria and serves over 1,200 tenants, faces competition from industry giants such as IHS Towers, ATC, and Helios Towers. 

However, with Badru, PAT is strengthening its marketplace. The company’s recent funding from Development Partners International (DPI) and Verod Capital aims to enhance its expansion plans, including the goal of tripling its tower footprint and addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure gap through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.

Badru’s career spans several high-profile roles, including Director of Finance at Etisalat UAE and Director of Finance and Operations at 9mobile. His experience also includes leadership positions at Helios Towers Nigeria, where he led the company’s growth. 

Badru’s financial background, combined with his operational expertise, places him as a key driver of innovation in the telecom infrastructure space. Under his leadership, PAT is expected to continue its transformation, enhancing connectivity across Nigeria and contributing to the country’s digital economy.

Badru’s qualifications, including an MSc from the University of Cumbria and his fellowships with various professional accounting bodies, further highlight his credibility as a seasoned leader in the telecommunications industry. 

As he leads Pan African Towers into 2025, Badru seeks to expand the company’s footprint and enhance its work in Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure market.

Tizeti, a leading innovator in internet connectivity across West Africa, has launched its FreeFiber broadband service in Nigeria and Ghana, setting a new benchmark for internet speed and accessibility in the region.

The service, available in Lagos, Port Harcourt (Nigeria), and Accra (Ghana), with plans to scale to multiple cities within the next 12 months, delivers blazing speeds of over 1Gbps, significantly outpacing the regional average of 28Mbps.

New users will enjoy free installation and a complimentary first-month subscription, making this a transformative step toward bridging the digital divide.

To get started, users can access additional information here.

Building on over a decade of delivering solar-powered, unlimited internet services across West Africa, Tizeti’s new offering aligns with its mission to bridge Africa’s digital gap with affordable and reliable internet to millions of Africans.

The free fiber broadband service includes additional benefits, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone numbers and free calls to multiple countries with African populations, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Portugal, empowering users to maintain seamless connections with clients, partners, and loved ones, despite geographical boundaries.

According to Kendall Ananyi, chief executive officer of Tizeti, the new fiber service represents the future of internet connectivity.

“Fiber is the next generation of internet technology, offering unparalleled unlimited speed and reliability. With our advanced fiber infrastructure, we’re delivering speeds of over 1Gbps, which are 50 times faster than existing offerings and 10 times faster than 5G or LEO satellite services. This leap forward enables seamless streaming, ultra-fast downloads, and improved online interactions, providing users with a truly transformative internet experience,” said Ananyi.

The launch also includes a unique referral program, where customers can enjoy free setup and subscription for the first five months by referring new users who currently lack access to Tizeti’s services.

This model not only ensures the rapid expansion of Tizeti’s network but also offers early adopters the opportunity to experience cutting-edge connectivity at no cost.

In addition to its fiber rollout, Tizeti USA is relaunching its Teleport Services, which provide users with access to U.S. IP address, and wallets.

In addition, users will enjoy package that includes a U.S. phone number, credit card, and mailing address. For businesses seeking expansion into North and South American markets, these new services will help them launch quickly, and facilitate seamless trade and financial interactions between West African countries and the United States.

The free fiber broadband service introduces hyper-mega speeds of up to 1 GIG, delivering its fastest and most reliable internet performance.

For online gaming enthusiasts, Tizeti has added a dedicated fiber port to deliver ultra-low latency, high bandwidth and unlimited speed, minimizing lag and ping, and ensuring smooth gaming even with multiple devices using the network.

Tizeti’s vision extends beyond faster internet. The company aims to bridge the digital divide in underserved regions, creating opportunities for economic growth and societal development.

Ifeanyi Okonkwo the chief operating officer, Tizeti emphasizes this commitment, stating,

“This initiative is more than just fast internet. It’s about empowering communities, fostering innovation, and enabling people to thrive in a digitally connected world. Our free fiber service will revolutionize how people, homes and businesses in West Africa access the internet, creating new opportunities for education, communication, and commerce.”

Over the last 12 years, Tizeti has been playing a significant role in building digital infrastructure for emerging economies and leveraging innovative technology and capabilities, to improve development outcomes for millions of Africans.

Tizeti serves over 4 million subscribers in West Africa (residential facilities, businesses and hotspot users), via its wide network of hundreds of solar-powered base stations.

The company has evolved from a startup to a billion-naira company, partnering with global giants like Microsoft, Meta, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Globally recognized for its contributions to digital transformation, Tizeti was named the one of the Most Innovative Company in Africa by Fast Company and awarded Nigeria’s Internet Service Provider of the Year.

These accolades underscore Tizeti’s leadership in delivering affordable, innovative, and sustainable internet solutions across West Africa.

In a detailed account, Kendall Ananyi noted the key areas of co-founder conflicts, crisis management, and post-funding success strategies, shedding light on the complexities and triumphs of startup life.

Scaling Co-founder Conflicts

Co-founder conflicts rank among the top reasons for early-stage startup failures. Ananyi highlights that resolving these disputes amicably is rare but preserves the most value. He notes, “Co-founder conflicts arise from mismatched expectations, unequal contributions, financial disagreements, role ambiguity, communication issues, personal differences, or lack of trust.” Addressing these potential sources early on and facilitating open discussions can prevent meaningful value destruction.

Kendall Ananyi outlines the three main approaches to resolving co-founder disputes:

1. Buyout: Buying out the co-founder at a premium, though this might deplete company resources.
2. Retention and Future Sale: The co-founder retains shares to sell during a future financing round, extending the conflict resolution period.
3. Amicable Resolution: Rarely achieved but the most valuable approach.

Effective Crisis Management

African startups have faced crises in recent years, often exacerbated by inadequate crisis management. Ananyi emphasizes that “crisis management is not PR,” and recommends hiring specialized firms promptly to handle crises effectively. 

He cautions against the common founder impulse to control the narrative, which often backfires. Instead, adopting a “no comment” stance can be more effective, as showcased in AppleTV+’s “WeCrashed.”

Ananyi advises founders to take stock, re-strategize, and continue building post-crisis, as sophisticated investors focus on growth and market potential rather than press coverage.

Ensuring Startup Success in Post-Funding Stages

Governance is essential post-investment, according to Ananyi. While due diligence prior to investment is common, solid governance structures post-investment ensure startups reaching product-market fit have a higher chance of fulfilling their potential. He stresses the importance of regular board meetings with experienced members to maintain accountability and strategic clarity.

Ananyi also addresses the risks associated with early-stage (pre-seed) investments, noting that many startups that raised large pre-seed rounds have failed due to a lack of disciplined capital deployment. He advocates for making most investments at the seed stage, where startups typically have more traction and are less risky.

Learning from Kendall Ananyi’s Successful Startup Exits

Ananyi celebrates his investments in successful startups like Paystack, Flutterwave, and Reliance Health, noting the increasing frequency of exits in Africa. He advises early-stage investors to remain patient, as higher valuations from the 2021-2022 frenzy may require longer holding periods to achieve significant returns.

His approach to exits is practical: “Exits are great and are celebrated, but there will also be investments that won’t work out, and that’s fine.” The power law in venture investing ensures that a handful of successful investments can offset the losses from failed ventures.

Currency Risk and Future Outlook

Ananyi highlights the challenge of fluctuating exchange rates in emerging markets and advises startups to provide financial results in both local currency and USD for better investor assessment. He also suggests exploring additional geographies to mitigate currency risks.

In prospects, Ananyi remains optimistic about the future of African startups, reiterating his hopes for more success and public listings in the coming years. 

His insights are great lessons for entrepreneurs walking through the complex startup world, emphasizing resilience, strategic clarity, and the importance of learning from both successes and failures.

Kendall Ananyi’s experiences stress the multifaceted nature of startup growth, from managing internal conflicts to handling external crises. These insights provide a guide for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to build resilient, successful ventures.

Tizeti’s success stems from its innovative business model, characterized by capital-efficient tower costs, next generation fiber to the home, vertically integrated operations spanning from submarine cables to fiber connected solar-powered towers, seasoned leadership, direct and partner investments across West Africa and strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Microsoft, MainOne, and Cambium.

Leveraging these strengths, Tizeti has significantly expanded its coverage footprint profitably, including recent expansions into Francophone West Africa and deeper penetration into key regions of Ghana and Nigeria.

The company’s commitment to unlimited data plans, facilitated by favorable contracts and partnerships, has facilitated its growth in enterprise and international markets. In the past year alone, Tizeti has extended its reach to new territories in Nigeria and broadened coverage in existing regions, addressing critical digital disparities and fostering economic inclusion across the continent.

With nearly 200 towers operational across West Africa, Tizeti delivers over 180TB of internet data daily, a testament to its impact in bridging digital divides and stimulating socio-economic development.

It also delivered 35,219 TB as at December 2023, amidst industry challenges, underscoring its resilience and demand potential.

Kendall Ananyi, the founder and CEO of Tizeti, said,

“We’re thrilled to announce our third dividend for shareholders, especially significant because we are paying this during the toughest period for internet service providers and telecommunications companies in Africa. We continued our expansions throughout Nigeria and across three key regions in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, and our commitment to narrowing the digital gap through accessible broadband services is driving lasting change across West Africa, laying the groundwork for a thriving digital economy while also providing tangible financial returns to our shareholders. Our track record of profitability five out of the last six years underscores the strength of our business fundamentals. We extend our sincere appreciation to our shareholders for their unwavering support and look forward to delivering even stronger financial results in the years ahead.”

Ifeanyi Okonkwo, Tizeti’s co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, echoed Mr. Ananyi’s sentiments.

“With consistent profitability over the last few years, we are well-positioned to drive our expansion and growth across underserved locations in Anglophone and Francophone West Africa. As we continue to invest in our network for future growth, we remain committed to supporting our employees for the challenges ahead. We are proud to say that we have consistently distributed bonuses for the past five years,” he said.

Tizeti’s pioneering use of solar-powered base stations has not only reduced carbon emissions and operational costs but has also made broadband internet more accessible and affordable, driving connectivity and digital inclusion.

As it explores opportunities in other African markets, Tizeti remains committed to its vision of advancing national broadband goals and driving innovation in the telecommunications sector.

Recognized for its innovative practices, Tizeti continues to solidify its position as a leader in the region, earning accolades such as the 6th Most Innovative Company in Africa and Nigeria’s Internet Service Provider of the Year.

At Tizeti, Lydia Asogwa Anyimson assumes the role of Country Manager for West Africa, while Ehimen Iziengbe joins as Vice President, Engineering.

Kendall Ananyi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Tizeti, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Lydia Asogwa Anyimson and Iziengbe Ehimen to the leadership team. Lydia’s extensive experience in telecommunications and successful leadership in Ghana positions her perfectly for our West Africa expansions. Ehimen’s expertise in Network Operations, and Cloud will be instrumental as Tizeti broadens its market footprint. These appointments underscore Tizeti’s commitment to building a world-class team for organic growth.”

Lydia brings almost a decade of corporate leadership experience in West African telecommunications to her new role.

With a diverse background spanning Technical Support, Customer Support, Network Operations Management, and Project Management, Lydia played a pivotal role as the immediate past Country Manager for Tizeti in Ghana.

Under her leadership, Tizeti secured licenses, regulatory approvals, and successfully managed operations. Lydia’s extensive knowledge encompasses wireless networking, customer service, digital marketing, project management, and business administration. She holds a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelors in Engineering.

Iziengbe holds a graduate degree in Computer Science from the University of Benin and boasts several Wireless and networking certifications. She is also a AWS certified cloud practitioner, PMP certified, and Master data scientist, Iziengbe’s multifaceted skill set is a valuable addition to Tizeti’s leadership team.

With prior roles in Network Operations, and as the former Head of Research and Development at Tizeti, Ehimen brings a wealth of experience to his new position.

The leadership appointments coincide with Tizeti’s recent extension of its digital infrastructure footprint across Nigeria, various regions in Ghana, and a strategic expansion into Cote D’Ivoire. This milestone positions Tizeti as one of the few Nigerian companies with a gender-balanced executive team.

Tizeti looks forward to leveraging the expertise of Lydia and Ehimen as they play integral roles in driving the company’s continued growth and innovation in the West African region.

“I am honored to step into the role of Country Manager West Africa at Tizeti during this exciting phase of expansion. Tizeti has set the bar high in the telecommunications industry, and I am eager to contribute to our continued success as we provide innovative connectivity solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers across West Africa.”

The senior debt facility will be used to finance the rollout of Tizeti’s state-of-the art broadband network across 15 states in Nigeria.

Anshul Rai, the Chief Executive Officer of NIDF, said,

“Chapel Hill Denham is excited to partner Tizeti in the expansion of fast, reliable broadband network across Nigeria. Digital economy is a key strategic pillar for Nigeria to accelerate its economic and social development, and providing access to affordable internet services is crucial to achieve the true potential of digitisation. We continue to work with all stakeholders to support accelerated development of digital infrastructure in Nigeria by providing access to long-term, Naira-denominated financing for such projects – thus realising the government’s vision of reaching 70% broadband penetration by 2025.”

Kendall Ananyi, Tizeti’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, commented,

“We are excited to announce the closing of this new debt facility with Nigeria’s largest infrastructure debt fund. We see tremendous opportunity for domestic capital in addressing digital exclusion barriers in Nigeria and this partnership will hopefully be one of many. We will use this to build last-mile digital infrastructure that will move internet capacity to other Nigerian states and catalyze sustained development, value creation, improved connectivity, and a deeper and wider digital inclusion net. This will also increase our coverage from 5 states and make us the largest internet service provider in Nigeria by coverage”.

Tizeti currently serves over 3 million subscribers in Nigeria (residential facilities, businesses and hotspot users), via its wide network of solar-powered base stations in five states.

The Company will deploy the debt funding to build new internet infrastructure and purchase additional equipment to expand its services to Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abuja, Kano, and Kaduna.

Tizeti currently charges its customers a monthly fee starting from N12,500 which is the most competitive price in Nigeria and provides unlimited data usage and streaming.

For many countries in Africa, there is still a huge digital divide. This boundary between connected and unconnected translates into clear consequences for employment, education, family and social life, and access to information.

More so, the World Bank reports that every 10% increase in broadband penetration could lead to as much as 2.8% growth in Gross Domestic Product. Partnerships such as this, therefore, play a significant role in addressing the digital infrastructure deficits in emerging economies, leveraging innovative technology and capabilities, to improve development outcomes for millions of people.

The partnership aims to provide affordable and reliable high-speed internet access to underserved communities and people in the country, addressing the significant broadband gap that has hindered economic development and social progress in the region and empowering more Ivorians to participate in the digital economy.

Cote d’Ívoire is believed to have less than 40% internet penetration, with fixed internet around 2%. The fixed internet and broadband sectors remain underdeveloped in Cote d’Ívoire, due to a legacy of poor international connectivity, which resulted in high wholesale prices, limited bandwidth, and a lack of access for alternative operators to international infrastructure.

Operators such as MainOne, and Africa Coast to Europe have subsea infrastructure, with 2Africa expected to land in 2023.

While the submarine cable vertical is more competitive, Cote d’Ívoire has limited last-mile providers who pull the internet capacity and distribute it to homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.

Tizeti will roll out high-speed internet infrastructure with Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, leveraging Tizeti’s low-cost wireless technologies. This will help make it easier and cheaper for people to access the internet and connect to the digital economy.

These shared efforts are part of the Microsoft Airband Initiative’s commitment to bring internet access to 100 million Africans by the end of 2025, which aligns with Tizeti’s goal of connecting more people to the internet in a cost-efficient way.

“We are thrilled to partner with Microsoft to bring reliable and affordable high-speed internet access to underserved communities in Cote d’Ívoire,” said Kendall Ananyi, Chief Executive Officer of Tizeti. “Our mission at Tizeti is to bring affordable and reliable internet to more Africans outside the digital envelope, and this partnership is a significant step forward in achieving that goal. This work with Microsoft continues our joint efforts to deliver world-class internet connectivity to the people of Africa, starting with Nigeria and now Cote d’Ívoire.”

Microsoft’s Airband Initiative is focused on advancing digital equity—access to affordable internet, affordable devices, and digital skills—as a platform for empowerment and digital transformation across the world.

“Through our expanded partnership with Tizeti, we are committed to providing high-speed internet access to five million people in Cote d’Ivoire by the end of 2025,” said Vickie Robinson, General Manager of Microsoft’s Airband Initiative. “Partners such as Tizeti are vital to the Airband ecosystem, which relies on local expertise along with public and private organizations of every size to tailor regional solutions. The expansion to Cote d’Ivoire will help build sustainable infrastructure that strengthens local development and reduces barriers to connectivity.”

For many countries in Africa, there is still a huge digital divide. This boundary between connected and unconnected translates into clear consequences for employment, education, family and social life, and access to information.

Collaborations such as this play a significant role in addressing the digital infrastructure deficits in emerging economies, leveraging innovative technology and capabilities, to improve development outcomes for millions of people.

These states include Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abuja, Kano, and Kaduna, where the demand for unlimited and cost-effective broadband internet is largely unmet.

With this move, residents and businesses in these 10 states will now have access to unlimited, high-speed broadband connectivity from Tizeti at an introductory offer of Thirty Thousand Naira (N30,000 or $40) for monthly fixed broadband and installation costs, a discount from Sixty-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N69,500).

This launch will provide significant opportunities for these states, that have not had adequate broadband infrastructure, and this will improve the competitiveness of the states with high-speed, and affordable broadband internet from Tizeti.

Tizeti offers residential and business plans that are designed to meet the needs of all types of users, from casual to business customers.

With speeds up to 1000 MBPS, Tizeti’s customers can easily access the internet to work remotely, or in the office; learn online, stay connected with friends, and stream online content.

Kendall Ananyi, Tizeti’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are excited to expand our broadband internet services to more locations in Nigeria. Reliable and affordable internet connectivity is still limited to a few states. We will build last-mile digital infrastructure in these states that will move internet capacity to them and help millions of Nigerians participate and contribute to the digital economy. Internet access in these states will also complement existing or new initiatives by the state governments, for eGovernment implementation, digital access, and investment promotions, especially as many states are implementing robust digital agendas.”

Tizeti will build brand-new, solar-powered, 4G-capable towers in these cities and leverage expansive fiber networks built by some of its partners, including MainOne and Facebook, to bring millions of people online, and deliver life-changing socio-economic opportunities that access to the internet provides.

Tizeti is currently available in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, and Edo States.

“Tizeti was built to tackle poor internet connectivity not only in Nigeria but on the continent as a whole, by developing a cost-effective solution from inception to delivery, for reliable and uncapped internet access for potentially millions of Africans”, says Tizeti’s Chief Operating Officer, Ifeanyi Okonkwo. “Our launch in these states will drive digital adoption, with huge implications for online learning, eCommerce, and entertainment.

Interested users can pre-sign up at www.wifi.com.ng/signup as installations will start May 1st, 2023.

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Ahead of this launch, the company plans a mass recruitment to fill up new roles across Nigeria. Tizeti is recruiting graduate trainees into different departments: Field Sales Engineering, Network Operations Center, Human Resources, Administration, Sales and Marketing, Finance, and Customer Service. All trainees must have a minimum of Second-Class Upper degree in relevant fields.

Interested applicants can apply here.

For many countries in Africa, there is still a huge digital divide. This boundary between connected and unconnected translates into clear consequences for employment, education, family and social life, and access to information. According to the World Wide Web Foundation, ensuring fast internet in Africa will enable billions more to come online, and take advantage of the life-changing socio-economic opportunities that access to the Internet provides. Companies like Tizeti are playing a significant role in addressing the digital infrastructure deficits in Africa with innovative technology and capabilities, to improve development outcomes for millions of people.

Tizeti has 3.8 million unique users across Nigeria and Ghana with broadband services, including a new Skype-like personal and business enterprise communications service — WiFiCall.ng, and video streaming sites and services.