Report: Nigeria, South Africa to push Africa’s 5G connections to 150 million by 2028

A prominent international technology firm, Ericsson, has forecasted a swift growth of 5G throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria and South Africa at the forefront.

As per the report, these two nations will elevate the count of 5G connections on the African continent from 7 million to 150 million by 2028.

This technology, which the report suggests will stimulate advanced industries and agriculture, is also expected to have a major beneficial effect on the continent’s top two economies.

The report also indicates that the volume of 4G subscriptions will see a more significant increase over the same timeframe, rising from 260 million in 2022 to 600 million by 2028.
Although 2G connections still constitute nearly half of all mobile subscriptions in SSA, Ericsson forecasts a marked decline in 2G users in the upcoming six years as individuals transition to 4G and 5G networks.

Nigeria, boasting a population exceeding 200 million, not only possesses the largest economy in Africa but also currently has the highest number of mobile subscribers on the continent, with expectations to lead in 5G deployment. The country had previously issued 5G licenses to MTN and Mafab Communications, two telecom companies, last year.

While MTN has already initiated the nation’s inaugural 5G network, Mafab is projected to launch the service in January 2019. As of yesterday, Airtel was the sole bidder for a third 5G license, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

It is noteworthy that South Africa pioneered the launch of 5G in Africa in 2020. Three major operators, MTN, Vodacom, and Rain, have established 5G networks within the country.

Hossam Kandeel, vice president and head of the global customer unit at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, shared insights regarding the report.

“Connectivity in Africa is essential for the enhancement of the continental economy. The expansion of 5G and 4G network availability will serve as a significant catalyst for innovation, connection, and opportunities for Africans everywhere. We take pride in being part of this journey.”

The report anticipates that, despite current and expected economic hardships in various regions of the world, the total number of 5G subscriptions will exceed one billion globally by year’s end and reach five billion by the conclusion of 2028. It further notes that between July and September 2022, roughly 110 million new 5G subscriptions were recorded globally, raising the total to around 870 million.