GSMA Intelligence says there is a significant disparity in mobile Internet usage, infrastructure, and technology adoption in Africa, illustrating the region’s struggle to keep pace with global connectivity trends.
As of March 2024, 32 countries in Africa have launched 5G networks in 2023, with 18 of those launches in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the latest Analysys Mason report.
5G subscriptions are projected to reach 180 million in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2029, the latest Ericsson Mobility report said. By the end of 2029, 4G subscriptions are forecast to account for half of all mobile subscriptions.
The latest GSMA report said 5G adoption rate in Africa is expected to reach 22 percent of connections by the end of the decade from 8 percent by 2026 and from 1 percent at present.
Here are the key trends presented in the GSMA Intelligence report:
Low Data Consumption per Connection
At the end of 2023, Africa’s average data consumption per mobile connection stood at approximately 2.5 GB per month — far below the global average of 13 GB. Only a handful of countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana, had averages exceeding 5 GB, with the majority of users consuming far less. Heavy users skew these averages, masking the lower typical usage levels for most consumers.
Limited 4G/5G Adoption
Although 4G coverage extended to 73 percent across the continent, less than 40 percent of mobile connections utilize 4G or 5G networks. Southern and Northern Africa have seen higher adoption rates, but much of Central, Eastern, and Western Africa remains dependent on 2G and 3G networks. As a result, many consumers cannot fully experience the advantages of modern mobile technology, deepening the technology divide.
Digital Divide and Economic Impact
Around two-thirds of Africa’s population remains disconnected from mobile internet, and nearly half of the world’s uncovered population lives in Africa. Usage disparities are evident across regions: mobile internet penetration is highest in Northern Africa, while Central and Eastern Africa experience the largest coverage and usage gaps. Within countries, rural communities and women face higher exclusion rates from mobile internet compared to urban and male populations, further accentuating the internal digital divide.
Economic Potential of Connectivity
If Africa could bridge its connectivity gap by 2030, an estimated $700 billion could be added to its GDP between 2024 and 2030. Additionally, studies show that a 10 percent increase in mobile broadband penetration could boost GDP by 1.0–2.5 percent, highlighting the economic incentives for advancing digital infrastructure and adoption across the continent.
Digitalisation Challenges for Businesses
Digital transformation for businesses in Africa lags behind, with limited startup ecosystems and minimal use of IoT solutions. The low level of digital business solutions adds to the continent’s broader challenges of economic modernization and productivity growth.
Long-Term Goals
The African Union’s “Agenda 2063” aims for a digitally transformed and economically sustainable Africa, but current trends indicate it could take 30 years to close the usage gap. Addressing this challenge is crucial for reducing inequalities and fostering inclusive growth across the continent.
Top 10 telecom markets in Africa in terms of 5G adoption by 2030 will be Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania and Ethiopia, GSMA says.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
