The Digest:
Airtel Nigeria is ramping up its 5G rollout as part of a substantial investment to meet the country's growing data demand. CEO Dinesh Balsingh confirmed that the company is set to expand its 5G infrastructure rapidly to support Nigeria’s digital future.
Key Points:
- Airtel Nigeria to double investment to over N500 billion in 2025.
- Data consumption in cities, especially Lagos, is increasing exponentially.
- 5G network expansion will enable services across education, healthcare, and commerce.
- Airtel collaborates with device manufacturers to make 5G-enabled phones more affordable.
- 4G penetration in Nigeria stands at 50.80%, with 5G adoption still limited by device costs.
- Balsingh emphasizes the importance of accessible 5G devices for widespread usage.
- Current 5G penetration stands at just 3.07% as of June 2025.
With rising data demand, Airtel is investing heavily in 5G infrastructure and working to make 5G smartphones affordable. This initiative aims to fuel Nigeria’s digital growth, making high-speed internet accessible to more Nigerians.
Sources: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria
