Mr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere
Nationality: Nigerian
Country of Residence: Nigeria
Organisation or affiliation: Anchor Telecoms; Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON)
Position: CEO; President
Brief Motivation
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere is committed to helping reposition AFRINIC as responsive, transparent, and service-oriented institution—one that truly supports the growth of local ISPs, infrastructure providers, and digital entrepreneurs across West Africa.
If elected, he will ensure the following;
• Industry expertise built through deploying networks and leading broadband initiatives across multiple countries.
• Policy and governance experience as ATCON President, actively advocating for enabling regulatory environments.
• A collaborative and impact-driven leadership style that prioritizes inclusivity, innovation, and integrity.
• A clear understanding of the strategic role of AFRINIC in supporting IP resource allocation, IPv6 migration, and Internet governance in Africa.
Professional Background
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere began his career at Linkserve Ltd, Nigeria’s pioneering ISP, where he engineered radio links for enterprises during the country’s nascent internet era. His technical acumen later propelled him to MTN Nigeria during its 2001 launch, where he oversaw the deployment of the company’s first base stations in the South-West and managed landmark projects like the Marshal Plan Site Build.
Anchor Telecoms: A Hub of TMT Convergence In 2005, Emoekpere founded Anchor Telecoms, a company that has grown into a pan-African leader in telecom infrastructure services. Under his leadership, Anchor Telecoms has expanded its vision to embrace the convergence of technology, media, and telecoms (TMT), launching strategic subsidiaries that drive innovation:
· MangoNet Integrated Services: A subsidiary delivering cutting-edge fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and wireless internet solutions, bridging Nigeria’s connectivity gaps.
· Anchor Digital Media: A media arm producing localized TV content and streaming services, amplifying Nigerian stories through technology-driven platforms.
Today, Anchor Telecoms operates in 5 African nations, with ongoing expansions into Kenya, Ethiopia, and the UK. Emoekpere’s focus on TMT convergence ensures the company remains at the forefront of cross-sector innovation.
Leadership at ATCON Elected ATCON President in 2023, Emoekpere has prioritized:
1. Policy Alignment: Advocating for Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020–2025 and fostering partnerships to resolve infrastructure bottlenecks like right-of-way disputes.
2. Sector Resilience: Balancing operator viability and consumer affordability through pragmatic tariff reform
3. Talent Development: Collaborating with institutions like the Digital Bridge Institute to equip Nigeria’s youth with future-ready digital skills.
Philosophy: Collaboration Over Individuality Emoekpere’s leadership ethos centers on collective progress. “The telecom sector thrives when stakeholders unite,” he asserts. “Our goal is not just connectivity, but creating ecosystems where technology empowers businesses, media enriches culture, and infrastructure drives inclusion.”
Innovations on the Horizon Under his guidance, Anchor Telecoms is pioneering:
· AI-Driven Network Optimization: Enhancing service reliability and coverage in underserved regions.
· Digital Content Hubs: Partnerships to democratize access to educational and entrepreneurial resources.
· Sustainable Infrastructure: Green towers and energy-efficient solutions to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
A devoted family man and mentor, Emoekpere finds balance in reading, cycling, and supporting tech startups. His story reflects a belief in Nigeria’s potential: “When technology, media, and telecoms converge, we don’t just build networks—we build nations.”