Artificial Intelligence (AI) will only achieve its full potential in Africa if it becomes accessible, affordable, and relevant to local realities, according to leading Nigerian technology company ipNX. The company made this position known at the 2026 West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE) in Lagos, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of telecommunications and digital innovation across the region.
Presenting a lead paper titled “Next-G Telecoms Infrastructure and Ethical AI in Networking Management,” Dr. Olusola Teniola, Director of Strategic Business Initiatives at ipNX, highlighted the growing role of AI in modern telecommunications. Speaking on behalf of the company’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Ejovi Aror, he explained that AI is already deeply embedded in network operations, helping service providers manage, optimize, and secure communication systems more efficiently than ever before.
Dr. Teniola noted that while Africa may not have been at the forefront of the early development of artificial intelligence, the continent now has a unique opportunity to shape the next wave of innovation. He emphasized that African nations should move beyond being mere consumers of imported technologies and instead focus on developing AI solutions tailored to local challenges, industries, and communities. According to him, locally driven innovation can create economic value, improve service delivery, and strengthen the continent’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
The technology expert also stressed that rapid AI adoption must be accompanied by strong ethical standards. As intelligent systems increasingly influence customer interactions, decision-making, and network management, issues such as transparency, privacy, accountability, and inclusivity must remain central to development efforts. He argued that responsible AI deployment will be critical to building public trust and ensuring that technological advancement benefits society as a whole.
Beyond ethics, ipNX identified investment in broadband infrastructure, data centres, cloud services, and reliable telecommunications networks as essential foundations for AI growth across Africa. Discussions at WATISE 2026 reinforced the telecom sector’s role as a key driver of Nigeria’s digital economy, while stakeholders called for greater digital literacy and public awareness. In recognition of its customer-focused approach, ipNX was named Best Customer-centric Telecoms Operator at the event, reaffirming its commitment to advancing the infrastructure and innovation needed to power Africa’s digital future.
source: techeconomy