5G to benefit Sub-Saharan Africa economy by $11 billion in 2030 – GSMA 2023 Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan African Report
Date: 2023-10-25
The GSMA 2023 Mobile Economy
Sub-Saharan African Report has revealed that 5G is expected to benefit the
Sub-Saharan African economy by $11 billion in 2030, accounting for more than 6%
of the overall economic impact of mobile.
Published and recently released by the GSMA, the report observed that while 3G remains the most dominant technology in the region, the adoption of 4G has accelerated, partly driven by the growing demand for faster speeds among young consumers.
“Over the next five years, 4G adoption in the region will more than double to 45 per cent. 5G momentum is also growing. Although the initial focus for 5G deployment is on urban areas and industrial locations, where there is a greater need for the technology,” it said.
It noted that mobile connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa continues to drive digital transformation and socioeconomic advancements, adding that this underlines the need for continued efforts to address the persisting barriers that impact mobile internet adoption in the region, particularly the affordability of devices, online safety concerns and the lack of digital skills.
“Meanwhile, authorities and enterprises see an opportunity to leverage growing 4G and 5G networks, alongside emerging technologies such as AI and IoT, to enhance productivity and efficiency in service delivery,” it added.
According to the report, in 2022, there was a marked uptick in 5G-related activities in Sub-Saharan Africa, including 5G commercial launches in 15 countries and a growing number of spectrum allocations. This it explained, comes at a time when 3G was the most dominant technology in the region (accounting for 55% of total connections in 2022) while 4G is already dominant in other regions, implying network and customer readiness for the transition to 4G.
“The approach to 5G in the region will need to consider the current connectivity landscape and unique market features that could affect the rollout and adoption of the technology. 5G network ecosystem players in the region must also find ways to deliver cost-effective and efficient 5G networks, balancing investment and value creation,” it emphasized.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
