Africa is at the early stages of adopting fifth-generation (5G) mobile technology, but its economic potential is already making waves. The GSMA’s new report, Destination Growth: The Journey to Complete 5G, forecasts that by 2030, the continent could see around 340 million 5G connections—roughly 20% of its total mobile connections. While current adoption remains low, especially with just 25% of mobile users on 4G compared to a global average of 60%, the momentum is growing, following 5G network launches by MTN and Vodacom in South Africa in 2020 and expansion to more than ten countries by 2025.
According to the GSMA, 5G could contribute $26 billion to Africa’s economy between 2021 and 2030, especially in sectors like retail, manufacturing, and agriculture. Enhanced connectivity and real-time data from 5G networks can boost productivity, enable precision agriculture, and automate manufacturing processes. This projection comes as part of a broader trend, with the mobile ecosystem already adding $140 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP in 2023—expected to reach $170 billion by 2030 if digital barriers are addressed.
Despite the promise, infrastructure gaps, limited spectrum allocation, and affordability challenges remain major hurdles. Operators have already poured $45 billion into network expansion over the past five years, but more is needed to fully transition to 5G. High device costs and low digital literacy also hinder mass adoption, while spectrum delays have slowed rollout. Energy concerns, too, play a role—with solar powering less than 10% of network needs, despite promising sustainability efforts from operators like Vodacom and Orange.
For 5G to truly take off, governments must step up by easing spectrum access, reducing device costs, and integrating mobile technologies into public services. Policies supporting renewable energy, streamlined infrastructure approvals, and incentives for handset affordability are essential. Multilateral collaboration involving GSMA, ITU, ATU, and Smart Africa will be crucial for building capacity, encouraging innovation, and making 5G accessible across the continent. Labs like Orange’s 5G hub in Dakar exemplify the transformative potential now it’s up to policy, industry, and civil society to unlock it.
Source: technext