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Telecommunications Synergy Conference

Private-Public Partnership Dominates Discussions at the 2019 Telecommunications & Power Synergy Conference

On Tuesday, 8th October 2019 the Power & Telecommunications Synergy Conference, sponsored by IHS Nigeria, brought together key stakeholders to examine integrated power solutions and their role in achieving the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

The conference presented a unique opportunity for experts in the Power, Telecommunications and ICT industries to engage in interactive and constructive sessions on achieving the NBP’s target of 70% broadband penetration by 2021, and the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in bringing about shared prosperity. The conference featured three panel discussions urging stakeholders to drive forward innovative solutions capable of meeting the growing demand for broadband connectivity.

The first session, moderated by Wolemi Esan, Partner, Power and Infrastructure, Olaniwun Ajayi LP, discussed “An Integrated Approach to Power and Interconnectivity.” The session featured Sanusi Ohiare, Rural Electrification Fund Executive Director; Wieber Boer, All On CEO; Ikechukwu Nnamani, Vice President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria; and Dapo Olofin, IHS Nigeria Director of Operations. These leading experts shared their ideas on how alternative, sustainable energy sources could improve telecommunications’ business operations.

The second session, moderated by Ify Malo, Energy Innovation Centre Clean Tech Hub CEO focused on “Sectoral Collaboration, Building Sustainable Models that Drive Inclusive Growth.” Joseph Teigbe, KPMG Partner & Head of Technology Advisory; Funke Alomooluwa, Chams Nigeria Executive Director; Gbenga Adebayo, Association of Telecoms Operators of Nigeria Chairman; Olukemi Awodein, Chapel Hill Denham Investment Banking Managing Director; and Adedoyin Adeola, Airtel Nigeria Head of Network Operations, all provided insights on how telecom infrastructure policies, necessary for the growth of the sector, can be improved. They also addressed the benefits of strategic collaboration and cross-sector partnerships.

Telecommunications Synergy Conference

The third session, moderated by Oyinkansola Akinsola-Bello, Co- Creation Hub Practice Lead highlighted “Broadband Infrastructure Financing: Opportunities, Tax Incentives and Returns”. Tariye Gbadegesin, African Finance Corporation Heavy Industry and Telecoms Head; Femi Adeyemo, Arnergy CEO; Kazeem Oladepo, MainOne Regional Executive, and Dalu Ajene, Investment Banking West Africa, Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Deputy CEO and Head, highlighted the need to intensify investment in the telecoms industry to drive economic growth. They acknowledged issues plaguing the sector, such as the high costs of right of way, multiple taxation policies, and provided insights on the way forward.

During the discussions, scalable solutions were proposed and a new working was party created. The Telecommunications Sustainability Working Group (TSWG) will seek to implement innovative ideas and facilitate strategic policies to better support the sector.

Commenting on the initiative, Olufemi Arosanyin, IHS Nigeria Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Proper collaborations within the private sector, from inception to implementation, with  strategic decision-making are extremely important to the telecommunications sector and its success. The TSWG aims to create and work towards implementing strategic polices that will both increase innovation within the sector and move Nigeria closer to the NBP’s 70% target. This group will work collaboratively to engage and establish important dialogues on how to move telecommunications in Nigeria to the next level.”

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