AI Adoption in Africa Hinges on Accessibility, Affordability, Availability — ipNX
Digitnomics 
By Francisca Anuforo
Nigeria’s leading information and communications technology company, ipNX, has identified accessibility, affordability and availability as the three critical pillars that will determine how quickly Artificial Intelligence (AI) is adopted across Nigeria and the African continent.
The company made this known at the 2026 West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE), held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, where it presented a lead paper titled “Next-G Telecoms Infrastructure and Ethical AI in Networking Management.”
The presentation, delivered by Dr. Olusola Teniola, Director of Strategic Business Initiatives at ipNX, on behalf of the Group Managing Director, Mr. Ejovi Aror, examined the growing convergence of next-generation telecommunications infrastructure and the responsible deployment of AI technologies.
According to Dr. Teniola, AI has evolved far beyond an emerging concept, noting that the technology has existed since 1955 and now forms an integral part of modern telecommunications networks through intelligent algorithms that power network optimisation, automation and security.
“Artificial Intelligence already shapes how networks are managed, optimised and secured. The conversation is no longer whether AI will transform telecommunications, but how to ensure its benefits are deployed responsibly,” he said.
He observed that although Africa was not at the forefront of AI’s early development, the continent still has a unique opportunity to shape the next wave of innovation by building solutions tailored to local realities.
Rather than remaining a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere, he said Africa can leverage AI to address indigenous challenges, stimulate economic growth and deliver solutions that create value for businesses and communities.
The presentation also underscored the growing importance of ethical AI as intelligent systems become increasingly embedded in network management, service delivery, customer engagement and business decision-making.
Dr. Teniola stressed that transparency, accountability, privacy and inclusivity must remain at the core of AI development and deployment to ensure that innovation benefits society while minimising potential risks.
He further noted that unlocking AI’s full potential across Africa will require sustained investments in broadband infrastructure, cloud computing platforms, data centres and resilient telecommunications networks capable of supporting advanced digital services.
Discussions at WATISE 2026 reinforced the role of telecommunications infrastructure as the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, with stakeholders highlighting the need for stronger digital literacy, increased public awareness and responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
In recognition of its customer-focused approach, ipNX received the Best Customer-centric Telecoms Operator award at the event.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure, driving innovation and fostering strategic partnerships that will accelerate AI adoption and support Africa’s digital transformation.
