Rwanda has unveiled a phased roadmap to retire its legacy 2G and 3G mobile networks, marking a significant step towards a fully 4G- and 5G-enabled digital communications landscape.
Under the plan, 3G services will be discontinued nationwide by 30 June 2027, while the shutdown of 2G networks is tentatively scheduled for December 2028, subject to the success of the earlier transition.
The initiative aligns with a growing trend across Africa, where governments and mobile network operators are repurposing spectrum allocated to older technologies to expand faster, more efficient broadband services and meet rising demand for mobile data.
According to Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), maintaining multiple generations of mobile networks has become increasingly costly and places unnecessary pressure on spectrum and network resources. By retiring 2G and 3G, the country will release valuable spectrum to strengthen 4G and accelerate the rollout of 5G, delivering improved speeds, greater network capacity and enhanced security.
The ministry noted that the final decision on the 2G shutdown will be made only after reviewing the outcome of the 3G migration. Factors such as network coverage, service reliability and overall national readiness will determine the timeline for the complete retirement of legacy services.
Authorities will also evaluate the number of users and connected systems that still depend on older technologies. A government assessment found that, without targeted intervention, more than two million people could still be using 2G services by 2030, primarily because of the high cost of 4G-compatible devices.
To minimise the risk of digital exclusion, the government plans to improve access to affordable smartphones while supporting consumers and businesses through the migration process.
The transition comes as Africa’s mobile economy continues to expand. According to the GSMA, mobile technologies and services generated US$240 billion for Africa’s economy in 2025—equivalent to 7.8% of the continent’s GDP—with that contribution projected to grow to US$290 billion by 2030. Despite this growth, almost one billion Africans, or approximately 63% of the population, still do not use mobile internet.
MINICT emphasised that the 3G switch-off will only proceed once all readiness requirements have been satisfied.
As part of the implementation process, the ministry, together with the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) and mobile network operators, will closely monitor nationwide performance indicators, including 4G coverage, call quality, Voice over LTE (VoLTE) performance and the continuity of essential services such as SMS, mobile money and digital payments.
The transition programme will also oversee the migration of services that rely on USSD, the replacement of connected devices including utility meters and tracking systems, the availability of affordable 4G-enabled handsets and the effectiveness of customer support mechanisms.
MINICT said it will continue providing public updates throughout the migration and will announce the final timetable for the retirement of 2G services after evaluating the results of the nationwide 3G shutdown.
