Telecom

Senegal opens application for 5G licenses

Senegal opens application for 5G licenses
Thursday, 01 June 2023 18:14

In December 2022, Abdoul Ly, then Director General of the telecom regulator ARTP, announced that 5G would be launched in Senegal in 2023. His statement was later affirmed by his successor, Abdou Karim Sall, in April. 

On Wednesday, May 31, Senegal’s telecom regulator ARTP issued a call for applications for 5G licenses. The regulator is thus keeping its promise to launch commercial ultra-broadband in the country in 2023. Interested investors must submit their applications by July 14.

In its statement, the regulator indicates that only companies incorporated under local law can apply. They should also have a valid license authorizing them to establish and operate a network open to the public and to provide electronic communications services as of the application submission date. 

The launch of 5G is part of the Senegalese government's drive "to strengthen very high-speed connectivity and digital use in the country", in line with the Digital Economy Acceleration Project (PAEN), funded by the World Bank to the tune of $150 million. 

In Senegal, telecom operators were preparing for 5G since 2020.  In December 2021, SONATEL confirmed its ability to deliver ultra-broadband, with a second successful test. Its rival Free launched an experimental phase in June 2022, with the technical support of Swedish tech group Ericsson. In July 2022, Orange also opened a 5G laboratory in the country. 

The ultra-broadband technology is particularly expected to help meet the population’s growing need for broadband connectivity and new digital consumption patterns stemming in particular from Covid-19. It should also guarantee greater revenues for telecom companies and the State.

Isaac K. Kassouwi

On the same topic
• Nigeria has enacted sweeping new rules to govern its fast-growing digital lending market.• The regulators move to rein in abusive practices and give...
(GSMA)-MWC25 Kigali, the African continent's largest and most influential connectivity event, will return on 21- 23 October with a dynamic agenda...
Kampala delegation visits Addis Ababa for talks on tech cooperation Discussions cover smart cities, digital payments, infrastructure and...
Growth is projected at 27% annually, with agriculture, finance, and health sectors leading adoption—but infrastructure gaps and talent shortages could...
Most Read
01

• AU launches campaign to replace distorted Mercator map projection• Equal Earth map promoted to sho...

Africa’s True Size: The African Union Pushes to Redraw the World Map
02

MTN and SANTACO signed a reseller deal on 13 Aug 2025. Gauteng taxis gain MTN data, ICT, fintech ...

MTN, SANTACO Partner to Digitize South Africa’s Minibus Taxi Industry
03

Growth is projected at 27% annually, with agriculture, finance, and health sectors leading adoption—...

Africa’s AI Market Poised to Reach $16.5 Billion by 2030, Mastercard Reports
04

• Cameroon financier Alain Nkontchou to buy Nedbank 21.22 percent stake in Ecobank for 100 million U...

Cameroonian Financier’s Firm to Become Ecobank’s Top Shareholder for $100 Million
05

EU rolls out biometric Entry/Exit System in Oct 2025, replacing passport stamps. Visa-free Africa...

Europe’s Digital Border Shift to Reshape African Travel and Trade
Enter your email to receive our newsletter

Ecofin Agency provides daily coverage of nine key African economic sectors: public management, finance, telecoms, agribusiness, mining, energy, transport, communication, and education.
It also designs and manages specialized media, both online and print, for African institutions and publishers.

SALES & ADVERTISING

regie@agenceecofin.com 
Tél: +41 22 301 96 11 
Mob: +41 78 699 13 72


EDITORIAL
redaction@agenceecofin.com

More information
Team
Publisher

ECOFIN AGENCY

Mediamania Sarl
Rue du Léman, 6
1201 Geneva
Switzerland

 

Ecofin Agency is a sector-focused economic news agency, founded in December 2010. Its web platform was launched in June 2011. ©Mediamania.

 
 

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.