As Africans join the rest of the world in moving at a faster pace into the world of digital technology, exposure to 5G technology across the continent can be said to be a show of progress. Even though 5G, or fifth-generation technology, is still at its dawn globally, a good number of African countries are now taking steps forward in either adopting or deploying this next-generation network. In this blog post, we explore which African countries already support 5G and what this change is enabling on the continent.
What Is 5G, and Why Is It a Big Deal?
Before drilling into the detail, the concept of what 5G technology is and all that it involves is very much vital. 5G simply stands for the fifth generation of mobile network technology. It is the latest evolution from 3G and 4G, which is basically expected to run faster with low latency and much more capacity. These improvements thus imply betterments in the telecommunications, health, education, finance, and so on. That will connect concurrently millions of devices and hence change the way people live, work, and interact with technology.
Early Adopters of 5G in Africa
South Africa
South Africa became the first African country to launch a 5G service commercially. For instance, in June 2020, the largest telecommunication companies in the country, Vodacom and MTN, rolled out 5G services in key cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town. This rapid deployment is attributable to the government granting temporary spectrum to its operators amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the country has ensured it keeps expanding the 5G network to even urban and suburban reaches.
Kenya
Kenya may be the second-most prominent country in Africa to embrace 5G technology. In March 2021, its leading telco operator, Safaricom, made an initial launch of the 5th generation technology on trials in Nairobi, among a few other big cities. The firm then targets other smaller towns and cities through the country with the vision to increase internet speeds and experience, particularly in areas far from urban centers. Such a strategic approach taken by Kenya in deploying 5G is driven by the ambition of making it a technology hub within East Africa.
Nigeria, being the most populous country in Africa, also found its way into the 5G race. In December 2021, the Nigerian Communications Commission carried out successful auctions for 5G spectrum licenses, which they subsequently awarded to two operators: MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications. MTN Nigeria has since launched 5G in major cities, with cities like Lagos and Abuja already in the loop and high-speed expansion underway. The 5G deployment will lead to massive economic gains, including job creation, expanded internet access, and the proliferation of digital services.
Egypt
Another actor on the African 5G scene is Egypt. This country has been preparing for the introduction of 5G over the last years, with the government working actively in collaboration with telecom operators for technology tests and deployments. Indeed, for the Egyptian government, 5G is considered one of the critical elements within the Vision 2030 initiative to drive the digital transformation of the whole country. The commercial roll-out is at the early stage but the readiness already made by the Egyptian authorities should provide a firm springboard for further future growth.
Morocco
There are key strides in place by Morocco toward 5G technology adoption:. 5G tests have been underway since 2020 at Maroc Telecom, one of the leading service providers in the country. The Moroccan government is also backing this initiative, with a clear view of strategies that will place the country at the forefront as a digital leader within North Africa. The implementation of 5G in the country of Morocco is hoped to improve connectivity and economic growth through the digital transformation of sectors like agriculture, education, and health.
The Future of 5G in Africa
Enabling 5G in Africa is still at an early stage, with the continent considering and testing such implementation. But the clear benefits accruing from the new technology mean that this momentum is likely to gather additional countries into the fray in the next 2 to 3 years. The immense potential 5G bears in fostering connectivity, innovation, and economic growth across the continent will be truly transformational.
Challenges Ahead
While the 5G prospects in Africa are solid, there are challenges that have to be visited. These include high deployment costs, an expensive process for setting up this network, and numerous regulatory hurdles. The cost and regulation issues can be put aside, and a huge investment in infrastructural development will be required. Besides, a digital divide should be bridged between rural and marginal areas that do not intend to be left behind in this 5G revolution.
The adoption of 5G technology represents a watershed for most of Africa in its journey toward digital transformation. This makes countries like South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco great examples of how 5G can actually boost economic growth, better connectivity, drive innovation, and bring about significant changes in agendas broadcasted worldwide. More and more African countries are looking into the potential of 5G, which actually sees the continent take its position in the very center of this global digital landscape. Continuous investment, combined with a focus on inclusive growth, is what can make 5G the key to unlocking Africa’s digital future.
The journey of a fully connected Africa has just started, and the outlook is promising.
