Todd Ashton, VP and head of South and East Africa at Ericsson predicts that the integration of 5G with AI and other advanced technologies will bring about significant transformations in African economies, fostering sustainable growth and development across the continent.
According to the Ericsson Mobility Report for June 2024, 5G is anticipated to hold the second-largest share of subscriptions in the sub-Sahara African region, reaching 28% by 2029. The report also forecasts steady growth for 4G, which is expected to account for the largest number of subscriptions (38%) by 2029 and a decline in 3G subscriptions as 4G becomes more prevalent.
Additionally, the report highlights the expansion of services to include fintech offerings such as mobile money transactions and banking, capitalising on the high mobile penetration and unbanked population. The proliferation of smartphones is also anticipated to drive increased data usage, with the number of smartphones projected to rise from 460 million in 2023 to 790 million in 2029.
In terms of specific use cases, Ashton emphasises the potential for 5G to revolutionise economic sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture. He envisions 5G technology optimising supply chains and supporting smart factories, thereby enhancing efficiency, productivity, and innovation. Ashton also acknowledges the need for collaboration across the entire ecosystem, involving private and public sectors, to facilitate large-scale expansions.
Despite certain challenges, such as rural connectivity and access to infrastructure, Ashton remains optimistic about the opportunity for Africa to expedite the deployment of the latest technology. He believes that partnerships between mobile operators and national regulatory bodies, along with streamlined regulations, will be pivotal in advancing broadband rollouts and bridging the digital divide. Ashton also underscores the importance of addressing import duties on mobile devices to make them more affordable, thereby enhancing mobile broadband connectivity, societal inclusion, and economic growth.
Looking ahead, Ashton envisions how strong broadband will enable precision farming and IoT devices in agriculture, leading to improved yields and reduced waste. Additionally, he anticipates that 5G will pave the way for smarter cities with more efficient public services, ultimately contributing to an elevated quality of life across Africa.
As the telecommunications industry grapples with spectrum pooling arrangements and rural connectivity issues, Ericsson remains focused on driving sustainable growth and development throughout Africa.
