Sub-Saharan Africa is on track to become one of the fastest-growing regions for 5G globally, with subscriptions expected to reach 370 million by 2031, according to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report.
This growth is largely driven by the phasing out of outdated networks, establishing a robust connectivity foundation essential for the burgeoning AI economy on the continent. In the first quarter of 2026, worldwide mobile 5G subscriptions have already exceeded three billion.
The transition from legacy networks to advanced connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa is accelerating. Majda Lahlou Kassi, Vice President and Head of Ericsson West and Southern Africa, commented, “The rapid advancement of 4G and 5G presents a significant opportunity for Africa to leap into the AI era. Moving away from legacy systems allows us to lay the groundwork for a dynamic and inclusive digital economy.”
Investment in collaboration, spectrum allocation, and regulatory frameworks will enable Africa to capitalise on the ongoing AI revolution, as the report states.
Furthermore, it predicts that LTE (4G) subscriptions will rise from 490 million in 2025 to 610 million by 2031, representing 46% of total subscriptions. By the end of 2031, 5G is forecast to account for 28% of all mobile subscriptions.
Although Sub-Saharan Africa still lags behind more established markets in 5G adoption, it is set to see one of the fastest growth rates worldwide over the next five years as service providers expand coverage and decommission older networks. Key markets—including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia—are expected to contribute significantly to the growth of 5G connections, fueled by rising smartphone usage, network investments, and growing demand for high-speed mobile broadband.
This growth is echoed in the expected increase in mobile data consumption in the region, which is projected to rise from 2.8 exabytes per month in 2025 to 9.7 exabytes per month by 2031. To put it in perspective, one exabyte equals one billion gigabytes, signalling a dramatic surge in mobile data usage in the near future.
Despite this optimistic outlook, the GSMA highlights a persistent divide in Africa’s smartphone market, characterised by rapid growth alongside significant digital exclusion. While nearly 82% of the population possesses a mobile phone, only about 40% own a smartphone. Factors such as high device prices relative to income, inadequate network infrastructure in rural areas, and low levels of digital literacy continue to hinder widespread adoption of mobile internet.
Ericsson emphasises that service providers are increasingly focusing on fixed wireless access (FWA) as part of their strategies to broaden connectivity. “FWA is becoming a pivotal area for linking consumers and businesses, offering substantial long-term potential to meet the growing demand for dependable broadband in the region,” they stated.
