Global multi-orbit satellite provider, Avanti Communications, and IHS Nigeria, part of the IHS Holding Limited, have been recognised for their work in connecting rural Nigeria at the 2024 World Space Business Awards.
Each year at World Space Business Week, Novaspace, a merger of Euroconsult and SpaceTec Partners, award the most forward-thinking businesses and innovations contributing to the future of the global space sector. The Universal Broadband Award recognizes those committed to helping transform the lives of underserved communities.
Together, Avanti and IHS Nigeria have been helping improve the connectivity landscape across Nigeria, bringing broadband connectivity to rural communities nationwide, where the cost of traditional telecommunications networks can leave millions behind.
IHS Nigeria already has a strong footprint in Nigeria, operating over 16,000 towers across the country. To help extend this reach, Avanti has been supplying the physical, transport and network layer for the transmission of cellular backhaul traffic to and from cellular towers, back to the core network of mobile network operators. The partnership has delivered fast, cost-effective and reliable 3G and 4G connectivity to 700 rural sites across Nigeria, directly benefitting more than 3.5 million people.
Mohamad Darwish, CEO, IHS Nigeria, said, “We are deeply honored to receive this award, recognizing our commitment to innovation and social responsibility in expanding global connectivity. As one of the largest independent tower companies globally, IHS Towers is dedicated to helping bridge the digital divide, particularly in Nigeria, where we operate more than 16,000 towers. IHS Nigeria’s partnership with Avanti Communications has been pivotal in bringing broadband connectivity as well as delivering sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to rural areas. Together, we are striving to help transform lives by enabling digital inclusion, job creation, and driving socio-economic development across underserved and unserved communities.”
Kyle Whitehill, CEO at Avanti, said, “The mission to provide cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable internet solutions is more than a professional endeavour; it is a mission we each carry personally at Avanti. Access to the internet is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It opens doors to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and global connectivity. For too long, the remote and hard-to-reach regions of Africa have been left in the dark, disconnected from the boundless potential connectivity brings.”
