West Africa’s flagship telecom and technology forum, the West Africa Telecommunications Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition, is set to examine the growing influence of artificial intelligence on network infrastructure and business operations at its 2026 edition in Lagos. The event, known as WATISE 4.0 and Awards, is convened by TechnologyMirror and will hold at the Lagos Oriental Hotel on June 18, with the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida, scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
With the theme focused on building a resilient and trustworthy AI driven network ecosystem, the summit will explore how intelligent systems are reshaping telecom infrastructure management, cybersecurity, and enterprise operations. From a technology standpoint, the conversation is shifting beyond adoption to governance, particularly around ensuring integrity, transparency, and sustainability in next generation networks, including early considerations for 6G architecture and AI related vulnerabilities.
The event has received backing from key industry bodies such as the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria and ICTLOCA, with participation expected from major stakeholders across telecoms, fintech, and policy ecosystems. Experts will also examine how AI is transforming financial services, particularly in fraud detection, real time transaction monitoring, and strengthening compliance frameworks such as anti money laundering and know your customer systems.
Beyond panel discussions and keynote sessions, WATISE 4.0 will serve as a strategic platform for aligning industry priorities around digital infrastructure resilience in West Africa. With support from organisations like the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, the forum is expected to generate actionable insights on how AI can be deployed responsibly to secure networks, enhance customer experience, and accelerate the region’s digital economy while mitigating emerging cyber risks.