5G penetration across Africa is expected to reach 25% by 2029.
According to findings shared by Omdia, the total number of 5G subscriptions in Africa was 20 million in 2024 and is projected to grow to 427 million by 2029.
While 5G is spreading rapidly, the lack of 5G spectrum and the high cost of 5G devices are still expected to hinder its adoption across the continent. South Africa has become the leading market for 5G in the region. In South Africa alone, 5G subscriptions are forecasted to increase tenfold by 2029.
In Egypt, 5G services are expected to launch this year. The government issued the country’s first 5G license to Telecom Egypt in January 2024. Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and e& Egypt also acquired licenses in October 2024, paving the way for the nationwide rollout of 5G.
Mobile subscriptions across the continent are expected to grow over the next five years. By the end of 2029, the number of mobile subscribers in Africa is projected to reach 1.78 billion.
It is estimated that 4G and 5G will account for more than 80% of total mobile subscriptions, while mobile broadband services will make up 97% of all mobile subscriptions.
Additionally, fiber network subscriptions are expected to increase by 131%, reaching 17.5 million by 2029.
To fully leverage the benefits of fiber technology, it is noted that Africa must develop a clear roadmap for fiber deployment.