Telecom

Africa: 5G adoption is growing faster than forecasted (Ecofin report)

Africa: 5G adoption is growing faster than forecasted (Ecofin report)
Tuesday, 20 September 2022 17:37

Since 2020, digital transformation in Africa, which was once neglected, has proven that ultra-broadband adoption is growing faster than forecasted. 

In sub-Saharan Africa, 5G adoption is growing rapidly, since 2018. Data compiled by Ecofin Agency show that as of September 15, 2022, twelve telecom operators in ten markets are already marketing mobile services backed by ultra-high-speed technology. The data increasingly contradicts the modest adoption forecasts presented by several equipment manufacturers and specialized firms. 

In 2021, the GSM Association (GSMA) forecasted the number of 5G connections would reach 35 million by 2025, representing 3% of the number of mobile connections in the Sub-Saharan African region, where seven operators were already offering 5G in five markets. In January 2022, it revised its estimates to 38 million 5G connections in its report The Mobile Economy 2022. That's 4% of the number of mobile connections in the region.

In the region,  5G is becoming attractive as days go by. In addition to the 12 telecom operators already marketing ultra-high speeds, new ones will likely proceed to their commercial launch by the end of 2022. In Mauritius, for instance,  Emtel Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Mauritius Ltd (MTML), won their 5G license in June 2021 but they are yet to proceed to commercial launch. In Nigeria, Mafab is also in that same situation. Several telecom operators are expected to enter the 5G segment in eleven other markets where the technology has already been tested over the past four years. The markets include Côte d'Ivoire (with Orange and MTN), Mali (Orange), and Madagascar (Telma). 

One thing is certain, global telecom market observers’ forecasts about the increase in mobile data traffic caused by the growing connectivity demands will surely pass. Ericsson states in its June 2022 Mobility Report that average data traffic per smartphone is expected to grow from 2.9 gigabytes per month to 11 gigabytes by 2027.

Although the price of 5G-enabled smartphones is still quite high and may affect the uptake of mobile ultra-broadband in sub-Saharan Africa, the International Data Corporation (IDC) seems quite optimistic. "The slow development of 5G network infrastructure across Africa has not slowed adoption since 5G devices can also be used on the more readily available 4G networks," explains George Mbuthia, IDC senior research analyst. 

The research analyst adds that on the continent, “shipments of 5G devices increased 26.9% QoQ in Q2 2022 and their share of the overall market is growing as major brands launch more flagship 5G devices into the market.” 

4G devices accounted for 73.9 percent of overall smartphone shipments in Africa in Q2 2022, with 3G and 5G accounting for 18.5 percent and 7.6 percent of the shipments respectively, according to IDC. 

Muriel Edjo 

On the same topic
Reliable, high-capacity international connectivity is crucial for driving economic growth, enabling digital services, and promoting regional...
• Morocco to build 500 MW green-powered data center in Dakhla to boost cloud infrastructure• Part of Digital Morocco 2030, aiming for data sovereignty and...
• Cameroon and Chad plan to launch free mobile roaming by August 11, following a joint coordination meeting in N'Djamena• The move revives a stalled CEMAC...
By investing in shared, open-access fibre networks, Vodacom and Maziv can help drive more affordable retail broadband pricing and reduce barriers for...
Most Read
01

• Investors seem to keep focusing on yields, which are high for the moment• New Leadership might see...

Afreximbank Bonds Retain Market Confidence Despite Moody’s Downgrade
02

• ECOWAS Bank funds 47.7-km stretch of strategic 700-km road project• Lagos-Calabar highway seen boo...

Nigeria Secures $100 mln ECOWAS Bank Loan for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
03

• Algeria grants commercial 5G licenses to top three telecom operators: Mobilis, Djezzy, and Ooredoo...

Algeria Awards Commercial 5G Licenses
04

• IFC teams up with AfDB and Nigeria’s EbonyLife to assess a new fund for African cinema• Sector cou...

IFC Plans Investment Fund to Help Grow African Film Industry
05

• Global coffee consumption projected to hit a record 169.4 million 60-kg bags in 2025/2026, up from...

Coffee: Global Consumption Expected to Reach Record Level in 2025/2026
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
Média kit : Download

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.