• Moov Africa Benin has launched commercial 5G services to compete with MTN and Celtiis.

• The operator has deployed more than 230 5G sites, with initial coverage in major cities.

• High deployment costs and limited smartphone penetration could slow adoption.

Moov Africa Benin launched its commercial 5G services on April 24. The company aims to strengthen its market position by offering significantly lower latency and higher data speeds.

Mostafa El Houti said, "5G represents a major technological breakthrough. It already delivers spectacular speeds, up to 10 times faster than 4G, enabling near-instant downloads, streaming and interaction. However, the real revolution lies in ultra-low latency […] Response time becomes almost immediate, opening the way for real-time uses such as immersive reality, online gaming and telemedicine." He also highlighted the technology’s ability to connect millions of devices simultaneously, including sensors and machines.

Moreover, Mr. El Houti said the company has deployed more than 230 5G sites nationwide. The network currently covers major urban centers in the south, including Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, Porto-Novo and Ouidah, as well as northern cities such as Parakou, Nikki and Kandi. The operator plans further expansion, although it has not provided a timeline.

Rising Competition in Mobile Internet

The launch of 5G services comes amid intensifying competition in Benin’s mobile internet market. MTN leads the sector, while Celtiis has gained ground since its commercial launch in October 2022. MTN moved ahead by launching ultra-high-speed offers as early as November 2024.

In this context, Moov Africa has lost market share. According to the telecom regulator, the operator recorded 2.94 million mobile internet subscriptions in the third quarter of 2022, compared with 6.24 million for MTN before Celtiis entered the market. One year later, Moov reported 3.01 million subscribers, while MTN reached 6.85 million and Celtiis 1.05 million.

Furthermore, Celtiis overtook Moov in the first quarter of 2025 to become the second-largest operator behind MTN. This trend continued in the third quarter of 2025, with Moov reporting 2.59 million subscribers, compared with 3.51 million for Celtiis and 4.51 million for MTN. Over the same period, Celtiis also led in terms of traffic volume.

At the same time, the fixed internet segment has expanded rapidly with the entry of players such as Starlink and CanalBox, further intensifying competition in high-speed connectivity.

Adoption and Accessibility Challenges

While 5G offers competitive advantages, several factors will determine its real impact. Nationwide coverage remains a key requirement to reach a critical mass of users. A 2022 study by Ericsson estimates that baseline 5G deployment costs range between $3 billion and $8 billion per country. Additional investments of 20% to 35% may be required to extend coverage nationwide, creating a structural barrier.

Beyond deployment, service adoption will depend on access to compatible smartphones. According to World Bank data, about 29.03% of Benin’s population aged over 15 owned a smartphone in 2024, reflecting affordability constraints. Other limiting factors include the cost of 5G plans, digital literacy levels and the availability of locally relevant content.

To ease financial constraints, Moov Africa Benin offers bundled packages that combine devices—such as routers and smartphones—with unlimited plans payable over six months or one year. Monthly payments range between CFA20,000 ($35.8) and CFA30,000, with an upfront deposit equivalent to three monthly payments.

However, these offers remain relatively expensive for a large share of the population. For example, a monthly payment of $35.74 represents nearly 30% of monthly gross national income per capita, estimated at $119.17 in 2024. The initial cost, including the deposit, can reach around 90% of monthly income. These estimates are based on a gross national income per capita of $1,430 per year, according to the World Bank.

Isaac K. Kassouwi