Lebara Nigeria, the local subsidiary of London-based mobile virtual network operator Lebara Group, has begun commercial operations, becoming the newest player in the country’s crowded mobile market.
Lebara is entering a market dominated by MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and 9mobile, which own the networks and distribution infrastructure that connect most Nigerians. Unlike those operators, Lebara will sell mobile services over Airtel Nigeria’s network while focusing its investment on digital products, customer experience and services.
The launch makes Lebara the second MVNO to begin commercial service under Nigeria’s 2022 regulatory framework, after Vitel Wireless launched in October 2025. It is also Lebara Group’s first entry into Africa.
Lebara holds a Tier 5 MVNO licence issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission in 2023 and has partnered with Airtel Nigeria as its host network. The company confirmed the partnership at a soft launch in Lagos on February 25, co-hosted with the United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade.
Originally published by TechCabal.