For Germain Breugnot, Managing Director of Titane Conseil International, we must succeed in lowering the costs of telecoms services in Africa, so that all populations can have access to them. Despite everything, he believes that this sector is growing on the continent, thanks to digital services.
What are the drivers of growth in the telecoms sector, given that its economic role is now vital?
Africa is a developing continent, with a growing number of consumers. Demand is therefore strong. It is a driving force for the telecoms sector. The rise of smartphones is also experiencing sustained momentum. Digital services and all practical offers linked to telecoms will also promote the growth and development of this sector in Africa.
What are the challenges that persist, despite this development of the telecoms sector in Africa?
These include disparities in accessibility between urban and rural areas, as well as between countries. Likewise, telecommunications costs remain high for many people. This limits accessibility for a large portion of low-income populations. We must succeed in lowering the costs of telecoms services in Africa, so that all populations can have access to them. This could also facilitate e-gov. Finally, the regulatory aspect must also be taken into consideration, because it slows down, in certain countries, the emergence of the telecoms sector.
What are the prospects for development and growth of the telecoms sector in Africa?
Voice-related revenues are down, but are offset by data-related revenues. Today, data and mobile money are the two growth factors of the telecoms sector in Africa. With the rise of affordable smartphones and the generalization of data, digital financial services, such as mobile payment, mobile money, money transfer, have developed and become essential for e-commerce.
Who are the large telecom operators who dominate the sector in Africa?
The Maroc Telecom group is one of the major players in North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, thanks to its “Moov Africa” brand. Since 2021, this brand has brought together its ten sub-Saharan subsidiaries. We can also cite the French operator Orange, present in 18 countries, while the South African group MTN has subsidiaries in 16 countries, including nine in West Africa.
Airtel Africa, the subsidiary of the Indian Baharty, is present in 14 countries, while the Malagasy Axian operates in 8 countries. These are the main telecoms players in sub-Saharan Africa, alongside whom we generally find state entities.
What about the evolution of Maroc Telecom entities on the continent?
Maroc Telecom performed well in 2023. The telecoms sector is buoyant and market sizes are increasing, due to demographic growth in Africa. Economic growth has also increased household purchasing power.
In this context, Maroc Telecom has returned to growth thanks to its subsidiaries in sub-Saharan Africa, which help drive the group's performance, with turnover up 3%. Also FTTH, that is to say fixed internet activities, promotes this growth for Maroc Telecom, and makes it possible to compensate for the drop in mobile revenues.
A CENTER AGAINST CYBERSECURITY IN AFRICA
The African Cybersecurity Center (CAC) is a non-governmental organization that aims to develop synergies between Chief Cybersecurity Officers (CISOs), as well as Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and IT Technology Managers. information (IT) of governmental and non-governmental organizations and the private sector in Morocco and African countries. Its main role is to contribute to government programs and policies in Morocco and Africa in the field of cybersecurity, as well as to improve the functioning of information technologies in governmental and non-governmental organizations and the private sector and disseminate information. successful experiences in Morocco and Africa.
Abdellah Benahmed / ECO Inspirations
