The latest Ericsson Mobility Report projects a transformative decade for mobile connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa, with mobile subscriptions in the region set to soar from 950 million in 2023 to 1.2 billion by 2030. At the forefront of this growth is 5G, poised to become the fastest-growing mobile subscription type.
According to the report, 5G subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa are expected to expand at a remarkable annual rate of 59%, climbing from 11 million in 2023 to 420 million by 2030. This surge will make 5G the dominant mobile technology in the region, accounting for 33% of total subscriptions by the end of the decade.
The region’s young population, combined with the increasing affordability of smartphones and a growing demand for high-speed internet and advanced digital services, is fueling the rapid adoption of 5G technology.
“Driven by a young and dynamic population, the increasing affordability of smartphones, and the growing demand for mobile data and advanced services, Sub-Saharan Africa is positioned for significant growth,” said Ante Mihovilovic, Vice President and Head of Networks at Ericsson Middle East and Africa. “Our #AfricaInMotion vision is to empower a sustainable and connected Africa, supporting the continent’s digitalization journey for economic growth and creating opportunities for all.”
While 5G is set to dominate, 4G subscriptions will also witness steady growth, accounting for 35% of total mobile subscriptions by 2030. Meanwhile, older technologies like 2G and 3G are expected to decline as the shift toward next-generation networks continues.
The report highlights that mobile data traffic per active smartphone in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to grow from 5.4 GB per month in 2024 to 17 GB per month by 2030, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21%. This reflects the region’s increasing reliance on mobile networks for both personal and business use.
As demand for broadband connectivity surges, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is emerging as a pivotal technology to bridge the digital divide in underserved areas. Telecommunications providers in Sub-Saharan Africa are also diversifying into financial technology, with mobile money services becoming a critical component of their offerings.
The integration of fintech with mobile connectivity is reshaping financial services across the region, providing millions of people with access to banking and payment solutions.
Globally, mobile network data traffic is expected to grow nearly 200% between 2024 and 2030. By the end of the decade, 6.3 billion global 5G subscriptions are anticipated, with 60% of them expected to be 5G Standalone (SA) subscriptions.
Ericsson’s report emphasizes that 5G SA and 5G Advanced technologies will be key focuses for communications service providers (CSPs) as they aim to offer more value-driven services beyond just data volume.
The company will host online seminars on December 3, 2024, to discuss the findings and implications of the report for the telecommunications industry.
With a history spanning nearly 150 years, Ericsson remains a key player in global telecommunications. The company continues to invest in Sub-Saharan Africa, driving digital transformation and supporting sustainable development across the continent.
As Africa embarks on a new era of connectivity, the next decade promises significant advancements in technology, economic growth, and improved quality of life for millions of people across the region.