A significant portion of African smartphone users still rely on 3G networks, hindering their ability to access fast, reliable connectivity crucial for modern, data-intensive applications. According to an analysis by Opensignal, 11 out of 27 African markets still see users spending over 20% of their time on 3G. This reliance on outdated technology creates barriers to seamless streaming, social media, and digital services. In some countries like Mali and Zimbabwe, users even spend over 6% of their time connected to 2G networks, further limiting access to digital services.
Hardik Khatri from Opensignal points out that this dependence on aging networks significantly hampers digital growth across the continent. “3G simply cannot provide the speed or capacity necessary for today’s digital applications,” Khatri said, stressing the urgent need for a shift to more advanced technologies like 4G and 5G.
In addition to 3G’s limitations, many African users experience poor connectivity. For example, in Tunisia, users report no connectivity for over 5% of their time. Similar issues are found in Mali, Morocco, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. On the other hand, countries like South Africa and Rwanda maintain minimal no-signal time, with less than 1%. Khatri attributes these gaps to the economic and infrastructure challenges faced by many markets across the continent.
“Improving infrastructure is costly but essential if we want to bridge the digital divide,” Khatri explains. Upgrading backhaul networks, powering remote sites, and maintaining backup generators to handle power outages are among the pressing infrastructure concerns. Additionally, the high costs of 4G/5G devices, along with low digital literacy rates, slow mobile internet adoption.
Despite these challenges, some African governments and telecom companies are pushing forward with expanding 4G and 5G coverage, while phasing out older 2G and 3G networks. Airtel Nigeria has started reallocating resources to 4G, and South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has extended the deadline for retiring 2G and 3G networks until December 2027. Telecom providers in South Africa have introduced upgrade incentives and educational programs to ease this transition.
However, the phase-out process carries risks. “For many users, mobile networks are their only source of internet access. Moving away from older networks too quickly could disconnect essential services,” Khatri warns.
Transitioning to advanced networks holds transformative potential for Africa. Faster connectivity will enable a range of applications that promote digital inclusion and economic participation, from mobile financial services to e-commerce, digital government, education, and healthcare. Yet, Khatri emphasizes that continued reliance on outdated networks limits these opportunities and hampers productivity.
“To bridge Africa’s digital divide, a comprehensive approach is needed,” Khatri concludes. “Investing in infrastructure, optimizing spectrum allocation, supportive regulation, and broader 4G/5G adoption are key. With sustained collaboration among operators, regulators, and policymakers, Africa can achieve rapid digital transformation and realize its Agenda 2063, driving socio-economic development across the continent.”
