Despite being a pioneer in 5G deployment in sub-Saharan Africa, Togo has faced mounting criticism regarding the quality of its telecom services. In response, ARCEP, the regulatory body, is increasing its oversight of operators to enforce stricter requirements, optimize the network, and meet user expectations.

Although 5G now appears in the national regulator’s reports, its footprint in Togo remains minimal. ARCEP’s quarterly data show that only 1% of active devices in the country are 5G-compatible, compared with 39% for 4G, 16% for 3G, and 44% for 2G. The contrast highlights a slow technology shift in a market still taking shape.

Low Device Penetration Slows Modernization

The total number of mobile devices continued to grow between late 2024 and mid-2025, fueled by a jump in mobile subscribers ,  from 7.69 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 7.99 million in the first quarter of 2025, according to ARCEP.

But growth remains uneven, with most users still on 2G or 3G phones, many sourced from the gray market. The regulator reported a 66% increase in unregistered devices in the second quarter of 2025, following a 60.9% drop earlier in the year, highlighting the persistent problem of unregulated imports.

5G Still Symbolic as 4G Leads Growth

Togo became the first West African country to launch 5G, through Togocom in November 2020. Yet 5G remains more symbolic of modernization than part of daily use.

Operators YAS Togo (formerly Togo Télécom/Togo Cellulaire) and Moov Africa Togo are still focused on 4G expansion: the number of 4G subscribers grew by 38% in 2024 and by another 10% in Q1 2025, reaching 2.9 million users.

This surge in 4G access is driving data consumption. Mobile data traffic rose 68% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025 and 33% quarter-on-quarter. But 5G use remains limited by the lack of compatible devices and a clear business model.

Barriers to Wider Adoption

The main barriers are still the high cost of 5G smartphones,  unaffordable for most households, and limited radio spectrum. Investment has also weakened: a 34% year-on-year drop in Q2 2025 has constrained operators’ ability to prepare for the shift.

Togo aims to build an economically viable 5G ecosystem between 2026 and 2030. The plan includes extending fiber links for antenna interconnection, harmonizing the spectrum, and developing industrial uses such as IoT, cloud services, and smart cities. Meeting that target will require steady investment, tighter import controls, and stronger demand for advanced digital services.

Fiacre E. Kakpo