In the rapidly evolving landscape of IT and telecommunications, few individuals have made as significant an impact as Gbenga Adegbiji, Chief Executive Officer of Geniserve. With over 25 years of experience, Adegbiji has played a pivotal role in shaping West Africa’s digital infrastructure. From pioneering CDMA expansion to spearheading major fiber-optic projects and data center developments, his journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation, leadership, and sustainable growth.
As a seasoned professional, Adegbiji has witnessed the transformative power of technology in Africa. He has been at the forefront of broadband penetration, helping bridge the connectivity gap between coastal cities and underserved hinterlands. Through his leadership at Geniserve, he continues to drive digital transformation in West Africa by providing critical digital infrastructure solutions. His extensive experience in project management, cloud computing, and sustainability positions him as a thought leader in the industry.
In this exclusive insight, Adegbiji shares his journey, perspectives on the future of IT and telecom in Africa, and how Geniserve is addressing key challenges in the sector. From advocating for sustainable data centers to emphasizing the potential of AI and cloud computing, he provides a comprehensive look at what lies ahead for Africa’s digital economy.
Pivotal Moments in a 25-Year Career
Adegbiji’s journey in IT and telecommunications has been eventful and impactful. “Starting as a graduate engineer in 1996, I worked on narrowband telecommunications links with EF Johnson and Ritron Radio. My early years were spent mastering circuit switching with R2 and SS7 signaling systems, later transitioning into the wireless world of CDMA and GSM systems.”
One of the defining moments in his career was his transition from a CDMA switch engineer to project management, where he led the expansion of Starcomms Limited’s CDMA fixed wireless operations beyond Lagos. The expansion into Kano, Maiduguri, and Port Harcourt was a significant milestone that laid the foundation for further CDMA expansion and wireless system penetration in Nigeria between 2003 and 2005.
Following this success, he took on high-impact projects, including the implementation of a 3,900 km microwave backbone link and the construction of 4,000 km of fiber-optic infrastructure across 30 Nigerian states for Celtel Nigeria (now Airtel). His contributions also extended to data center development, leading the establishment of the largest colocation data center for MainOne (now Equinix) and driving strategic expansions across West Africa.
The Vision Behind Geniserve
With nearly three decades of experience in the telecom and digital infrastructure space, Adegbiji recognized critical gaps in the industry. “One of the biggest challenges in broadband penetration across Nigeria and West Africa is the inability to efficiently move subsea capacity from coastal cities to the hinterlands.” Says Abegbji.
Using Nigeria as a case study, most subsea cables land in Lagos, but connectivity remains a challenge in remote regions. While government efforts are reducing the cost of Right of Way (RoW), the real challenge lies in implementing sustainable solutions. This led to the founding of Geniserve, a company dedicated to designing, implementing, and managing critical digital infrastructure projects in a cost-effective and sustainable manner across West Africa.
Geniserve focuses on closing the digital divide, ensuring that connectivity reaches underserved areas while maintaining high-quality infrastructure standards. Through strategic partnerships and a hands-on approach, the company continues to drive technological transformation in Nigeria and beyond.
Thought Leadership in ICT and Data Centers
As a recognized thought leader, Adegbiji has spoken at various local and international events, advocating for Africa’s digital future. He emphasizes that Africa is the next frontier for the digital economy—a region rich in resources, a youthful population, and growing technological adoption.
“While challenges exist, the opportunities outweigh the risks. The demand for cloud computing, data centers, and connectivity is rising, and global tech giants like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Equinix are investing in African digital infrastructure.” says Adegbiji. He believes that smart investors should look at Africa’s long-term potential in data centers, long-haul fiber connectivity, and sustainable energy solutions.
Academic Achievements and Leadership Approach
Adegbiji’s leadership approach is deeply rooted in his unique blend of academic and industry experience. His journey has been shaped by continuous learning, alternating between formal education and hands-on industry exposure.
Starting as a banking application developer, he later pursued a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in the same field. This iterative learning process has given him a solid foundation in both technology and leadership.
His work across Anglophone and Francophone West Africa has further shaped his understanding of cultural and market dynamics, allowing him to tailor solutions to specific regional needs. This deep insight has been instrumental in structuring projects and delivering impactful solutions for clients.
The Evolution of IT and Telecom in West Africa
According to Abegbji, Nigeria has been a leader in digital transformation within West Africa. The launch of GSM services in 2001 was a pivotal moment, accelerating investment in the region. The contribution of ICT to GDP has consistently ranged between 8% and 10% since the mid-2010s.
The West African coastline has attracted major subsea cable investments, including MainOne, Glo-1, WACS, ACE, Equiano, and 2Africa. These cables have boosted regional connectivity, attracted data centers, and enhanced internet exchange points.
Looking ahead, AI, robotics, and cloud computing will drive the next phase of growth. According to McKinsey & Company, AI could increase Africa’s GDP by $1.2 trillion by 2030, positioning the continent as a major player in the global digital economy.
Cloud and Edge Computing in Africa
The rise of cloud and edge computing is reshaping Africa’s data center landscape. Adegbiji highlights that cloud services are shifting closer to the edge, meaning data storage and processing are increasingly happening within Africa rather than overseas.
“Although the continent lacks hyperscale capacity, investment in data centers and fiber-optic networks is accelerating. Global players like Equinix, Digital Realty, Google, and Meta are expanding their presence, while governments are supporting fiber infrastructure development. This trend is expected to drive unprecedented growth in the next five years.” Says Abegbji.
Sustainability in Digital Infrastructure
For Adegbiji, sustainability is a core priority. True sustainability goes beyond solar panels and wind turbines—it must be integrated into the entire digital infrastructure lifecycle, from design and material selection to energy efficiency and waste reduction.
While power challenges persist in some African nations, employing energy-efficient equipment, renewable energy adoption, intelligent building designs, and water conservation strategies will drive decarbonization and long-term sustainability.
Upcoming Projects at Geniserve
Geniserve is actively working on broadband connectivity projects across Nigeria and West Africa. Recently, the company completed a 1,000 km fiber-optic network across Edo State, providing connectivity to all local government areas and primary healthcare facilities. This has enabled telemedicine initiatives and supported e-Government solutions.
Additionally, Geniserve is collaborating with partners to develop AI infrastructure in East Africa, positioning the region as a future hub for AI-driven innovation.
Advice for Young Professionals in IT and Telecom
Adegbiji urges young professionals to stay in Africa and seize opportunities. “The continent is ripe for digital innovation, and hard work, deep technical knowledge, and networking can lead to meaningful impact.” Abegbiji advises.
He emphasizes the need for early exposure to critical infrastructure—from data centers to fiber optics—to cultivate interest and expertise at a young age.
Challenges to Digital Adoption in Africa
While infrastructure and regulatory hurdles are often cited, skills shortages and brain drain are also significant barriers. The emigration of African tech talent to Europe and America is creating a resource gap.
Adegbiji suggests engaging young talent early, integrating them into data center operations and infrastructure projects to build local expertise and retain skilled professionals within Africa.
Through his leadership at Geniserve, Gbenga Adegbiji continues to drive digital transformation, ensuring that West Africa remains at the forefront of global technology advancements. His work is not only shaping today’s infrastructure but laying the foundation for a sustainable and digitally connected future.
