OVER the past two decades, mobile telecommunications has ushered in a transformative era for sub-Saharan Africa, enabling millions to participate in the digital economy and fostering a thriving industry worth billions. With mobile technology reaching 1.2 billion connections and more than 650 million unique mobile users, Africa has seen remarkable progress, particularly in innovations like mobile money.
Now, the advent of 5G, the fifth generation of GSM cellular technology, presents Africa with a new opportunity to leap forward in technological advancements. With real-world speeds exceeding 200Mbps and significant improvements in latency, 5G promises not only a richer and faster consumer mobile broadband experience but also serves as the foundation for building the digital economy of the future.
The global race to build 5G networks is unprecedented, with consumer 5G connections expected to reach two billion by the end of 2025. Africa cannot afford to be left behind in this race. According to the GSMA, 5G has the potential to contribute a staggering $26bn to Africa’s economy by 2030, with 5G connections accounting for 20 percent of mobile connections on the continent.
Accelerating 5G deployments in Africa could yield substantial economic dividends. By using 5G as a fixed-wireless and mobile broadband access technology, higher-speed internet could be extended to regions without access to fibre networks, opening up new economic opportunities and catalysing innovation in cloud computing.
5G’s impact extends across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing, leading to increased productivity, job creation, and entrepreneurship. The technology’s higher speeds and lower latency will drive the adoption of next-generation digital technologies like virtual/augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, revolutionizing service delivery in the public and private sectors.
From smart cities to smart factories, the possibilities 5G offers are endless. MediaTek, a key player in bringing 5G technology to Africa, is committed to making 5G accessible to everyone through their advanced portfolio of 5G technologies and Dimensity family of chipsets.
Now is the time for Africa to harness the economic, personal, and societal benefits that come with the powerful connectivity standard of 5G. Policymakers, regulators, network operators, and industry players must work together to ensure that Africa doesn’t miss out on this transformative leap in technology.
