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In a significant move to enhance Ghana’s telecommunications infrastructure, Nokia has announced an expansion of its partnership with Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC) to build the country’s first 5G mobile core network. This development marks a crucial step in Ghana’s digital transformation journey, positioning the West African nation at the forefront of next-generation mobile technology in the region.

The extended agreement builds upon Nokia’s existing role as a strategic technology partner for NGIC’s pioneering 5G network in Ghana. As a shared neutral host network, NGIC aims to offer wholesale services to mobile providers across the country, enabling them to deliver advanced 5G capabilities to their subscribers.

“We chose Nokia because they are a trusted and proven partner in Africa that can deliver on our ambitions to introduce 5G services in Ghana,” Harikirit Singh, Executive Director of NGIC Ghana, said. “As NGIC is a wholesale network provider to mobile operators in Ghana, Nokia’s 5G RAN and Core solution is a key part of our network evolution as it incorporates the flexibility, scalability, resilience and security that we need as the sole 5G network in the country. This will enable us to integrate more seamlessly with our clients’ networks to deliver 5G services to the people and businesses of Ghana.”

The new 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) Core will incorporate Nokia’s Cloud Mobility Manager and Cloud Mobile Gateway, complementing the previously announced 4G and 5G Radio Access Network infrastructure. Nokia’s comprehensive MantaRay network management system will oversee the entire operation, solidifying the Finnish tech giant’s position as an end-to-end network partner for NGIC.

“In partnership with Nokia, we will empower our customers to fully benefit from 5G in Ghana, with plans to extend this to other regions in Africa. NGIC will utilize Nokia’s technology and products to deploy network infrastructure and related services, aiming to serve both enterprise and consumer markets. This initiative will help bridge the digital divide and introduce new services in finance, healthcare and education to enable Ghana’s transition to the digital economy,” said Michael Tseytlin, Chief Technology Officer of NGIC Ghana.

NGIC plans to launch its wholesale 4G and 5G Network-as-a-Service within the year, a move that could dramatically reshape the competitive dynamics of Ghana’s mobile market. The network’s cloud-based architecture is designed to be not only high-speed but also environmentally sustainable, aligning with global trends towards greener technology solutions.

Mikko Lavanti, Senior Vice President – MEA Market, Mobile Networks, Nokia said: “Partnering with NGIC on building the first 4G/5G Network as a Service (NaaS) in Africa is a great opportunity with strong purpose to serve the continent’s needs. This alternative network model is a smart approach towards smart CAPEX and OPEX investment, which will help MNOs introduce the latest technologies in a faster and more efficient way.”

Looking ahead, Nokia and NGIC have announced plans to establish a 4G/5G Center of Excellence in Ghana. This facility will serve as a testing ground for emerging technologies and use cases, potentially positioning Ghana as a hub for telecommunications innovation in Africa.

As 5G technology continues to roll out globally, Ghana’s proactive approach could set a precedent for other African nations. However, challenges remain, including the need for widespread device compatibility and potential concerns over the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

The success of this initiative could have far-reaching implications, not only for Ghana’s digital economy but for the broader African continent as it seeks to close the global digital gap.