Nigeria’s telecoms market is experiencing a fresh wave of disruption as startups in the eSIM space carve out new opportunities to edge out established operators such as MTN, Airtel, 9mobile, and Glo.
While the four major carriers now provide eSIM support through their service centers, a growing number of technology startups are redefining access to connectivity by offering borderless, digital-first eSIM solutions.
These startups are attracting both frequent travellers and data-savvy urban consumers who want instant activation, flexible bundles, and cheaper roaming alternatives.
“E-sim are crossborder/ cross geographical borders, and as a result of the satellite, they help Nigerians to access the internet without roaming. Nigerians can download them as apps, but they must ensure they use eSIM to avoid the danger of cybersecurity as a result of free WIFI at airports,” Jedidiah Oyeneye, lawyer and lead faculty at The Hacktive Campaign.
Among the notable players in eSIM is Maya Mobile, which has gained traction with its Nigeria-specific travel eSIM packages. With offerings such as fast 4G LTE, hotspot support, and auto-renewal options, Maya Mobile has positioned itself as a strong alternative for business travelers and digital nomads.
Similarly, SimSavvy and MobiMatter are making waves by tailoring plans for local and regional data use. Their QR-code activation model eliminates the need for in-person registration at telecom service centers, a feature that resonates with younger, tech-driven Nigerians.
Other platforms such as Plum eSIM, eSIMo, Eskimo, Holafly, and GigSky are also targeting the Nigerian market with a range of flexible bundles ranging from short-term data plans for tourists to multi-year global subscriptions for remote professionals.
These startups are filling gaps in areas such as international roaming, instant access, and flexible data sharing. The convenience of being able to buy, activate, and manage data online is proving to be a key selling point.
The eSIM trend signals a shift in Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem. With the global eSIM market projected to surpass $16 billion by 2027, Nigerian startups riding this wave may be well-placed to scale beyond local adoption and capture regional growth.
MTN, 9mobile, Airtel, and Glo support eSIM in Nigeria with full voice and data capabilities linked to phone numbers.
Nigerian mobile networks that provide eSIM services tied to local phone numbers (prepaid or postpaid) are listed below.
Activation involves visiting an MTN service center to verify device compatibility to receive a QR code for installation. MTN Nigeria launched its eSIM service in July 2020.
T2, formerly 9mobile
T2 also launched eSIM in August 2020. It takes the same process as MTN, with QR code activation.
Airtel Nigeria
The firm joined MTN and 9mobile to launch. Here, users can get eSIMs (prepaid or postpaid) through Airtel Experience Centers, activate them via QR code.
Globacom (Glo)
Glo began advertising and offering eSIM services as of March 2025.
International / travel eSIM providers
There are options of global providers who offer Nigeria-specific or regional packages such as data-only eSIM plans or secondary data access, with no local number.
An example is Maya Mobile, which offers Nigerian travelers eSIM plans with fast 4G LTE, hotspot support, and optional auto-renew, starting at low dollar prices.
Similarly, SimSavvy provides local Nigerian data bundles, e.g., 1 GB for 7 days (~$10/GB), up to 20 GB options.
Also, MobiMatter offers flexible, instant-activation eSIMs for Nigerian travellers via QR code, with top-up support and dual-SIM compatibility.
More so, Plum eSIM (via Breeze eSIM) offers daily, weekly, and monthly plans (1 GB to 20 GB and unlimited daily), priced in GBP. Its speeds are up to 5G where available.
The eSIMo has Nigeria-only plans ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB for 7–30 days, priced between $6.90 and $99.90.
Eskimo eSIM offers long-duration plans (up to two years). The 1GB to 30GB are available across Nigeria or global coverage.
Holafly offers unlimited data options, 24/7 support, data sharing up to 500 MB/day. Also, GigSky is not Nigeria-specific, but offers global eSIM plans usable in Nigeria.
Source: https://businessday.ng/technology/article/startups-tap-esim-boom-to-disrupt-telcos/
