As Nigeria’s telecoms industry undergoes transformative shifts, stakeholders are preparing for a crucial summit to chart the next phase of growth for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). Organised by Africa Hyperscalers, the MVNO Nigeria 2025 summit will be held in Lagos on May 21, bringing together regulators, mobile network operators (MNOs), technology providers, and over 40 newly licensed MVNOs.
Titled “MVNO Nigeria 2025: Unlocking Growth, Competition & Connectivity”, the event is designed to go beyond discussions — aiming to forge concrete partnerships, resolve regulatory hurdles, and catalyse investment in one of Africa’s fastest-growing telecom markets.
Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), recently approved 43 MVNO licenses in a bid to liberalise the market, improve service affordability, and boost rural broadband connectivity. These new players — which operate by leasing network capacity from existing mobile operators — are expected to drive down costs and introduce niche, value-added services.
“MVNOs in Nigeria need trust, clarity, and alignment with host operators, regulators, funders, and partners. This forum is designed to solve, not just to speak,” the summit organisers noted in a statement.
The summit will serve as a strategic response to the bottlenecks threatening MVNO operations — including infrastructure sharing disputes, revenue-sharing concerns, and compliance burdens. It will also showcase global case studies where MVNO models have successfully driven connectivity and digital inclusion.
The summit will feature thought leaders such as Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria; Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres; Olusola Teniola, Managing Partner at ipNX; and Ayo Oladejo, CEO of DigiPractice. These experts are expected to deliver keynote speeches and join high-level panels and closed-door roundtables.
Discussion topics include:
The role of MVNOs in deepening broadband access in rural Nigeria
Partnerships for expanding fintech and IoT-enabled services
Revenue and data-sharing models between MNOs and MVNOs
Funding mechanisms for virtual operators
Aligning NCC policy with global best practices
According to the organisers, the summit also aims to support Nigeria’s Digital Economy Agenda by enabling affordable access to digital infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities.
A major goal of the summit is to address the longstanding gaps in rural and enterprise connectivity, as MVNOs are uniquely positioned to target underserved customer segments through specialised offerings such as mobile banking services, agricultural data plans, and enterprise IoT solutions.
Africa Hyperscalers noted that successful MVNO deployments in countries like the UK, India, and Brazil have shown that differentiated service models, efficient partnerships, and favourable regulation can make the virtual operator model profitable and sustainable.
“The MVNO model can revolutionise Nigeria’s telecom sector if executed right. With strategic alignment, it could enhance digital inclusion, spur innovation, and open new investment opportunities,” said Coker.
The summit comes at a time when investors are closely watching how Nigeria’s policy framework will shape telecom expansion. According to industry insiders, clarity on operational frameworks, risk mitigation, and fair market access for MVNOs will be crucial in attracting both local and foreign capital.
The NCC’s current licensing regime is structured into five tiers, ranging from service providers offering simple resell services to those capable of building and managing their own network elements — albeit still dependent on host MNOs for last-mile infrastructure.
Industry analysts believe that the May 21 summit could pave the way for a more transparent, investor-friendly environment that supports long-term growth in Nigeria’s telecom value chain.
As Nigeria positions itself as a leading telecom hub in Africa, the MVNO Nigeria 2025 summit marks a timely intervention to synchronise market strategies, policy frameworks, and investment flows. With 43 licensed MVNOs poised to enter the market, stakeholders are betting on this forum to set the tone for a competitive and inclusive digital future.