Airtel CEO pushes AI, smart networks as Nigeria’s next growth engine beyond traditional telecoms

Dinesh Balsingh, the chief executive officer of Airtel Nigeria, has urged Nigerian businesses to move beyond viewing telecommunications as simply providing internet and voice services, saying the country’s next phase of economic growth will depend on how quickly organisations embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent digital platforms.

Speaking at the Lagos Business School (LBS) Breakfast Club in Lagos on Wednesday, Balsingh said the telecommunications industry is undergoing a major transformation from being a connectivity provider to becoming a technology partner that delivers business intelligence, automation and digital solutions across key sectors of the economy.

Addressing business executives on the theme, “From Telco to Techno,” the Airtel Nigeria CEO said businesses are increasingly demanding technologies that improve productivity, strengthen cybersecurity, simplify operations and support long-term growth rather than merely providing internet access.

According to him, the future of telecommunications lies in intelligent ecosystems powered by artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), satellite connectivity and integrated enterprise technologies.

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“The role of telecommunications has fundamentally changed. Businesses are no longer asking only for connectivity; they want solutions that improve productivity, strengthen security and accelerate digital transformation. That is the journey Airtel is leading,” Balsingh said.

He explained that value in today’s digital economy is no longer measured by the amount of data customers consume but by the business outcomes technology creates.

He noted that telecom investments are increasingly being directed towards AI-powered customer protection systems, industry-specific digital platforms, intelligent networking, cloud services and hybrid satellite-terrestrial infrastructure capable of extending reliable connectivity to remote communities and underserved business locations.

According to him, technology should go beyond connecting people to helping organisations make smarter decisions, protect digital assets and improve operational efficiency.

Balsingh identified sectors such as healthcare, education, retail, manufacturing, government, and the oil and gas industry as major beneficiaries of intelligent technology platforms that combine connectivity with cloud computing, automation, surveillance systems and advanced data analytics.

He also challenged Nigerian business leaders to rethink their digital strategies, warning that future competitiveness would depend on how connected, secure, automated and resilient organisations become.

“The organisations that will lead the next decade are those that invest today in intelligent digital infrastructure. Our customers are no longer buying connectivity alone. They are investing in productivity, intelligence and digital transformation,” he said.

The event also featured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative for Nigeria, Christian Ebeke, and formed part of the Lagos Business School Breakfast Club, which brings together business executives and policymakers to discuss emerging economic and technology trends.

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Beyond connectivity

Balsingh’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is rapidly expanding beyond its traditional role of providing voice and data services.

Operators are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, cybersecurity services, fintech, enterprise connectivity and satellite-enabled solutions as demand grows for digital transformation across both public and private sectors.

The shift reflects a broader industry trend in which telecom companies are positioning themselves as technology service providers capable of supporting enterprise innovation, improving operational efficiency and accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy.

For Nigeria, where businesses are under pressure to reduce costs, improve productivity and compete in a digital-first global economy, industry experts believe investments in intelligent digital infrastructure could become a major driver of economic diversification, job creation and improved public service delivery over the coming years.