Growth of 4G and 5G in Africa: Ericsson sees a promising future

At the Africa Tech Festival 2024, Todd Ashton, Managing Director of Ericsson Kenya and Vice President in charge of South and East Africa, shared perspectives on the evolution of 4G and 5G technologies in Africa. He highlighted that 5G provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to transform industries and develop innovative solutions tailored to emerging digital needs.

Since 2020, 4G adoption in sub-Saharan Africa has doubled, from less than 10% to more than 20% of the population. This growth is attributed to the rise of fintech companies and the increased need for reliable connectivity, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ericsson has played a key role in supporting operators such as Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom Kenya in the deployment of 4G in Kenya.

By 2024, sixteen African countries have launched commercial 5G services, with forecasts indicating that 5G subscriptions will reach around 180 million in sub-Saharan Africa by 2029, accounting for 16% of all mobile subscriptions.

Ashton highlighted that 5G is not just about connectivity, but serves as a gateway for entrepreneurs looking to reshape various sectors. It facilitates the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in areas such as smart agriculture, healthcare and logistics, improving efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, 5G drives the growth of e-commerce by providing an enhanced online experience and opens opportunities in innovative services like augmented and virtual reality.

Ericsson collaborates with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and UNICEF on the Giga initiative, aiming to connect all schools to the Internet by 2030. Additionally, the Ericsson Wallet platform supports mobile financial services , promoting financial inclusion in Africa.

Despite progress, challenges remain, including affordability of 5G devices and services. Continued efforts are needed to overcome these obstacles and maximize the potential of 4G and 5G technologies in Africa, thereby contributing to inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.