By Adedapo Adesanya

Relatively unknown Nigerian telecommunication company, Mafab Communications, after multiple delays, will now commence operations before the end of the first quarter of 2025.

As per TechCabal, the company which secured a 5G licence alongside MTN Nigeria Plc in December 2021, will start rolling out its services by the end of March 2025.

Mafab will launch its 5G services with 102 operational sites in Kano and Abuja and subscribers will need to buy routers to connect to the network, according to the company’s chief operating officer, Mr Adebayo Onigbanjo.

This will mark the first time Mafab’s services will be commercially available, nearly three years after the company entered the 5G market alongside MTN.

It obtained the licence from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for $273.6 million but delayed its rollout, while its competitor, MTN, started in August 2022 in a few cities.

According to the company’s executive, Mafab’s operations were impacted by the Nigerian operational environment, particularly foreign exchange challenges.

“As with many telecoms operators, foreign exchange (FX) fluctuations have been a major challenge, leading to increased rollout costs compared to the initial projections,” Mr Onigbanjo told Tech Cabal.

Business Post reports that  Mafab in January 2023 held a ceremony at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, to commence operations in the country, promising to deepen broadband penetration.

“We are fully committed to bringing the benefits of 5G services to Nigerians and deploying a network that will drive economic development with increased broadband capabilities nationwide.

“I have no doubt that the service will help deliver improvements in the fields of education, business, smart cities and entertainment,” the Chairman of Mafab, Mr Mushabu Bashir, said at the 2023 event.

While Mafab has continued to delay its operations, more established telcos like MTN and Airtel have continued to dominate the 5G market. MTN currently holds almost 80 per cent of the market share, while Airtel has the remaining 20 per cent.

By Femi Adeniran

Imagine waking up one morning to find no internet, no mobile network, and no access to emergency services—all because a single fibre cable was carelessly severed during routine construction. This is not just a hypothetical scenario; it’s a reality that plays out daily across Nigeria, threatening the backbone of our digital economy and undermining national security.

The Federal Government’s recent designation of telecommunications assets as critical national infrastructure is a landmark decision that underscores the strategic importance of connectivity in today’s Nigeria. Telecommunications infrastructure is not just about phone calls or browsing the internet; it powers vital sectors like education, healthcare, banking, and public safety. In a world increasingly defined by digital transformation, the integrity of our telecom networks is as critical as our roads, bridges, and airports.

Yet, this critical infrastructure faces relentless threats. Fibre cuts—primarily caused by construction activities, vandalism, and a lack of coordination between stakeholders—have become an epidemic. On average, operators report multiple incidents daily, disrupting services to millions of Nigerians.  Airtel Nigeria alone records a daily average of 43 fibre cuts and in the last six months, a total of 7742. These interruptions not only inconvenience consumers but also hinder businesses, delay government operations, and compromise public safety, particularly in emergencies.

The dry season, while ideal for construction and public works, has exacerbated the problem. With an increase in road and building projects, the frequency of fibre cuts has spiked alarmingly. This trend jeopardizes Nigeria’s broadband penetration goals and the collective efforts to harness technology for economic growth and social inclusion.

This is therefore a clarion call to all stakeholders—government agencies, security agencies, construction companies, telecom operators, the media and civil society—to collaborate urgently in safeguarding Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure. Beyond policy declaration, there is a need to urgently move to practical actionable steps some of which are:

1. Stronger Enforcement and Coordination: Security Agencies and Regulatory bodies, must enforce stricter penalties for fibre damage while creating platforms for seamless coordination between construction companies and telecom operators.
2. Regulating and Monitoring the Operations of Construction Companies: Construction companies to be regulated and monitored to ensure they accord similar status to telecom assets as they do to assets of other utility companies.
3. Right-of-Way (RoW) Simplification: Streamlining the RoW process will ensure operators can bury cables securely and proactively plan for infrastructure protection in partnership with local governments.
4. Adoption of Technology: Leveraging geospatial mapping and real-time monitoring tools will enable better identification of high-risk zones and faster response to incidents.
5. Increased interest and Support from the Nigerian Media: Media stakeholders should support Public and private sector actors to drive targeted campaigns and public enlightenment on the importance of telecom infrastructure and the dire consequences of fibre cuts.

Nigeria’s digital economy is a critical pillar of our national development strategy. To achieve the ambitious targets of the National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 and unlock the full potential of critical initiatives of the Federal Government like the 3 Million Technical Talents 3MTT which aims to train and find job placements for 3 million Nigerian youths (local and international) by 2027, the “Project 774” of the Federal Government of aimed at digitizing all the 774 local government offices across the country for efficiency, and private sector led developmental initiatives such as the Airtel-UNICEF Reimagine Education Project where Airtel Africa has committed $57m to connect children to digital learning across the 14 countries of its operations in Africa, with Nigeria taking the lead,  our telecommunications networks must be protected with the same rigor we reserve for our power grids, water systems, and transportation networks.

The time to act is now. Together, we can ensure that Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure remains resilient, reliable, and ready to power the future. Failure to act will cost us more than just dropped calls—it will jeopardize our journey to a truly connected nation.

Femi Adeniran is the Director for Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria

By Paolo Abamwa

Last month, The American Business Council, brought together cybersecurity experts, tech leaders, and industry professionals for a cybersecurity conference themed Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity in Africa: Enhancing Information Security Using AI.

The event focused on how Africa can leverage AI to strengthen its digital infrastructure and address the region’s growing cybersecurity challenges.

Yellow Card was fully engaged in the discussions and networking with stakeholders, highlighting their Payments API and how it can help companies seamlessly integrate stablecoin payments for cross-border transactions across Africa.

Cybersecurity, AI, and Africa’s Digital Future

A standout moment at the conference was the panel discussion on “Harmonizing African Cybersecurity Policies and its Impact on Digital Transformation.” George Kisaka, Information Security Governance, Risk and Compliance Specialist at Yellow Card joined to speak about the urgent need for African nations to strengthen their cybersecurity laws.

He stressed that to keep pace with global standards, African governments must build robust frameworks to protect their citizens and businesses from cyber threats. He argued that, just as Western countries have robust laws to protect their citizens, African governments must implement similarly strong cybersecurity laws to safeguard their citizens’ digital experiences. He also called for unity across the continent, stressing that harmonized cybersecurity policies are essential for protecting both businesses and individuals.

The conversation also delved into the role of AI in Africa’s digital transformation. While some attendees expressed concerns about AI replacing jobs, the speakers reassured the audience that AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance human potential, not replace it. They encouraged Africans to embrace AI, upskill, and see it as an opportunity for collaboration, rather than competition.

Cybercrime and Building Collaboration

Another key discussion surrounded the rise of internet fraud among young people in Nigeria. Several attendees raised concerns about how easily young Nigerians can fall into fraudulent activities due to limited job opportunities and lack of awareness.

The panel addressed these concerns, emphasizing the role of government and regulatory bodies in curbing internet fraud. They discussed the importance of education, regulation, and the implementation of strict penalties for cybercriminals, highlighting that a collective effort from both the public and private sectors is needed to protect the next generation.

The speakers also highlighted international conferences, such as the European Cybersecurity Forum (CYBERSEC) and the RSA Conference, as vital spaces for global cybersecurity discussions. These events allow leaders from all over the world to share best practices and solutions, something Africa must actively engage with as it builds its cybersecurity framework.

Africa’s Digital Evolution

As one of the fastest growing fintechs in Africa and the largest stablecoins on/off ramp on the continent, Yellow Card is committed to Africa’s digital transformation. Beyond offering secure and efficient financial solutions, the company is passionate about educating and connecting businesses across Africa to the tools they need to thrive in a digital-first economy. Their presence at the event showcased their belief in the power of collaboration, technology, and strong cybersecurity policies to drive sustainable growth across the continent.

Looking Ahead…

As Africa continues to embrace digital transformation, strengthening cybersecurity and integrating technologies like AI will be key to building a secure, inclusive digital economy.

Paolo Abamwa is the Senior Marketing Manager at Yellow Card.