According to a recent report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UNESCO, just 1.2% of Africa’s population currently has access to 5G networks, which is starkly contrasting with the global average of over 20%. This situation highlights the early stage of 5G adoption across the continent, where 1.24 billion people are still seeking next-generation mobile technology.
The report, The State of Broadband in Africa 2025, indicates that although Africa has made impressive strides in mobile connectivity, the newest wireless technologies remain largely inaccessible. Projections suggest a hopeful future, with the potential for 5G penetration to increase to 17% by 2030.
In contrast to Africa’s slow rollout of 5G, previous generations of mobile technology have seen notable success. Currently, 3 G networks cover 77% of the population, while 4G reaches approximately 44.3%. Despite these advancements, the report highlights a significant digital divide, revealing that 710 million Africans lack internet access, even in areas served by mobile broadband. Key obstacles include the high cost of devices and insufficient digital literacy.
Chinese companies such as Huawei have established a strong foothold in Africa by offering competitively priced products. The technology landscape in sub-Saharan Africa is still dominated by 3G, which accounts for about 50% of mobile connections, while 4G represents 33%, and legacy 2G networks hold 10%. The 5G segment consists of only a small fraction of overall connections.
Interestingly, mobile connectivity has thrived in countries like Somalia despite governmental instability. Major telecom firms have established extensive networks covering urban and remote areas. A British researcher has even drawn unfavourable comparisons between Manchester and Mogadishu due to the latter’s improvements in mobile connectivity.
Over the last five years, mobile operators have poured approximately US$28 billion into infrastructure throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The industry plans to invest an additional US$62 billion from 2023 to 2030, primarily targeting the development and expansion of 5 G networks.
The mobile industry is vital to Africa’s economy, contributing 7.3% to gross domestic product (GDP)—equivalent to US$140 billion—and supporting around 3.7 million jobs across the region as of 2023.
However, progress in connectivity varies significantly across regions. While internet usage in Africa increased from 25% to 38% between 2019 and 2024, this figure remains considerably lower than the global average of 68%. Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest connectivity rates, with only 38% of its population online; variations exist from 35% in Eastern and Southern Africa to 39% in Western and Central Africa.
Additionally, a notable rural-urban divide exists in internet connectivity in Africa. Only 57% of people in urban areas access the internet compared to a global average of 83%, with a mere 23% of rural inhabitants online. Rwanda serves as a successful case, transforming its telecommunications sector following the liberalisation of its market in 2006. Through a public-private partnership with Korea Telecom, the country constructed a wholesale open-access 4G LTE network, ranking ninth among 38 African nations in mobile broadband affordability in 2017.
The expansion of satellite connectivity is also noteworthy, with Starlink commencing operations in 14 African countries, including Benin, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. Yet, South Africa has to confirm a launch date. This year, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia also gained access to Starlink services.
