Abayomi Susan
The Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, has urged business leaders to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation by embracing intelligent technology platforms capable of driving innovation, improving productivity, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Balsingh made the call at the Lagos Business School (LBS) Breakfast Club, where he spoke on the theme, “From Telco to Techno.” He noted that the telecommunications industry is rapidly evolving beyond traditional connectivity to become a critical enabler of enterprise transformation and the broader digital economy.
According to him, earlier generations of mobile technology focused on connecting people through voice services, internet access, and mobile broadband. However, the next phase of growth, he said, will be driven by intelligent ecosystems powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), satellite connectivity, and integrated enterprise solutions.
“The role of telecommunications has fundamentally evolved. Businesses are no longer seeking connectivity alone; they require solutions that enhance productivity, improve security, and accelerate digital transformation. That is the journey Airtel is leading. We are evolving from a telecommunications provider into a technology partner that enables organisations to unlock growth and deliver long-term value,” he said.
Balsingh further explained that value creation in the sector is shifting from data consumption volumes to measurable business outcomes delivered through technology. He highlighted emerging trends such as AI-driven customer protection systems, industry-specific digital solutions, IoT platforms, and hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks designed to extend reliable connectivity to underserved and remote locations.
He emphasised that modern technology must go beyond connectivity to deliver protection, operational efficiency, and enhanced decision-making capabilities for businesses.
“Technology should not only connect people but also protect them, simplify operations, and support smarter decision-making. Investments are increasingly focused on building resilient digital infrastructure that empowers organisations across all sectors of the economy,” he added.
The Airtel Nigeria CEO noted that sectors such as retail, education, healthcare, government, manufacturing, and oil and gas are increasingly demanding integrated digital solutions that combine connectivity with cloud services, intelligent networking, surveillance systems, automation, and data analytics.
He also called on business leaders to reassess their digital strategies, stressing that future competitiveness will depend on how connected, intelligent, secure, automated, and resilient their organisations become.
“The organisations that will lead the next decade are those investing today in intelligent digital infrastructure. Customers are no longer purchasing connectivity alone; they are investing in productivity, intelligence, and digital transformation,” he said.
The session, which also featured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative for Nigeria, Christian Ebeke, was part of the Lagos Business School Breakfast Club series, a forum for business executives and industry leaders to explore emerging trends shaping enterprise and economic development.
Airtel Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda by enabling businesses with innovative technologies designed to enhance efficiency, strengthen resilience, and unlock new opportunities across the country’s evolving digital economy.
