Bayobab gets national long-distance operator license in Nigeria

Bayobab, a subsidiary of Pan-African operator MTN that specializes in telecom infrastructure operations, has been granted a national long-distance (NLD) operator license in Nigeria.

"This license ushers in a new era of connectivity that is essential to meeting the surging demand for data within the country's borders," the company said in a statement.

An NLD operator license allows operators to make long-distance voice and data services within Nigeria more accessible even in villages where there is little to no telecommunications infrastructure.

Bayobab's subsidiary in Nigeria will now facilitate long-distance traffic, the statement continued.

"This achievement marks a transformative moment for us, as we look forward to contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria's digital economy," said Bayobab Group CEO Frédéric Schepens.

"We believe that connectivity is the foundation upon which innovation thrives, and our dedication to excellence and innovation will continue to guide us as we embark on this new chapter of delivering next-gen digital connectivity across Nigeria," Schepens added.

A NLD operator license allows operators to make long-distance voice and data services within Nigeria more accessible. (Source: Image by Freepik)

Furthermore, the company added that it is now able to significantly contribute to the nation's connectivity objectives in line with the ambitious Fiber Ambitions Policy of the Nigerian Communications Commission.

"This license embodies the pulse of innovation, the cadence of progress, and the harmony of collaboration," said Bayobab Nigeria Managing Director Josephine Sarouk.

"We are not just connecting points; we are weaving an intricate tapestry of possibilities through seamless connectivity, enabling the benefits of a modern connected life across Nigeria," Sarouk continued.

Bayobab spreads its African wings

Bayobab has operations across countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia.

Furthermore, in May 2023, Bayobab signed a partnership alongside infrastructure investment platform Africa50 to develop Project East2West, a terrestrial fiber optic cable network connecting the eastern shores of Africa to those on the west.

Additionally, in July 2023, it secured a contract to manage, operate and maintain the national fiber optic infrastructure of the Central African Republic.

Bayobab's parent company MTN Group has been part of a push to connect African countries to Europe and the Middle East, with its involvement in landing Google's Equiano subsea cable in South Africa last year.

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*Top image source: Image by Freepik.

— Matshepo Sehloho, Associate Editor, Connecting Africa