Dr. Tola Yusuf, Co-Founder, Infratel Africa
Speaking at the high-level IDEA Dinner with the Top CEOs 2025, themed “Critical National Infrastructure: The CEOs’ Perspective”, Dr. Tola Yusuf, Co-founder of Infratel Africa, delivered a thought-provoking address on the need for inclusive investment in Nigeria’s digital future.
In a room filled with leading voices from across the public and private sectors, Dr. Yusuf made a powerful statement:“Investment follows returns, but inclusion demands intention.”
He stressed that while it’s understandable that telecom operators prioritize areas with high returns on investment, rural communities must not be left behind. According to him, expanding connectivity into underserved regions requires not just capital, but intentional, enabling policies that make such investments viable.
“To truly reach the underserved, we need deliberate investment strategies supported by bold policy frameworks,” Dr. Yusuf emphasized.
The 2025 edition of the IDEA Dinner provided a platform for CEOs and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding national infrastructure — from energy and broadband to transportation and digital systems. Dr. Yusuf’s call to action added urgency to the dialogue, highlighting connectivity as a foundational pillar for economic inclusion and national development.
As Nigeria seeks to accelerate its digital transformation, industry leaders like Dr. Yusuf are reminding stakeholders that infrastructure development must be inclusive by design — or risk deepening inequality.
