In February 2023, Tizeti unveiled plans to expand its network to ten new states in Nigeria, bringing its total coverage to 15. In November of the same year, the company secured a loan to finance the project. 

Tizeti, a Nigerian startup specializing in providing wireless internet connectivity via a solar-powered network, announced this week that it has entered into discussions with state-owned operator NigComSat. If successful, these discussions could accelerate the expansion of Tizeti’s network nationwide. 

“Both teams are exploring partnership opportunities to expand affordable internet access across Nigeria through satellite broadband. Observers are closely following our approach to combining Tizeti’s solar-powered broadband with NigComSat’s satellite capabilities to connect even the most remote communities,” Tizeti said on LinkedIn. 

Tizeti is accelerating its network rollout amid rapid digital transformation, driven by growing demand for broadband connectivity. In November 2023, the company secured an undisclosed loan to finance its expansion into 10 new Nigerian states, bringing its total coverage to 15. In May 2024, it signed an agreement with US-based Microsoft to connect approximately 5 million people in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. The startup had already entered into a partnership with French satellite operator Eutelsat in November 2022. 

This interest in satellite is driven by the technology’s potential to ensure universal telecommunications coverage. As the Global Telecommunications Association (GSMA) points out, “even in rural and sparsely populated areas, the cost and complexity of deploying traditional mobile or wireline networks are driving interest in alternative connectivity solutions.” Tizeti is specifically targeting these areas, where, according to Nigerian authorities, nearly 20 million people still live who are excluded from the digital ecosystem. 

It’s worth noting, however, that discussions between Tizeti and NigComSat are still in their early stages. At this stage, no agreement has been signed or even announced between the two parties. Moreover, even if the collaboration materializes, Tizeti will face competition from other internet service providers, notably Starlink, which uses a constellation of low-orbit satellites to offer its services. Traditional telecom operators, which dominate the Nigerian internet market, are also a factor. They, too, are beginning to integrate satellite technology into their networks. 

Source: Agency EcoFin