According to Omdia’s latest report, 5G penetration in Africa is expected to surge from 1.4% in 2024 to 25.6% by 2029, with a total of 427 million 5G subscriptions. The growth in 5G adoption will drive an increase in cellular data traffic, contributing to a projected 38.2% share of total cellular data by 2029.
The report highlights the challenges facing 5G adoption in the region, including the lack of 5G spectrum and the high cost of devices. Omdia advises governments to prioritize spectrum allocation and improve affordability to boost 5G development.
South Africa, as the leader in 5G deployment, is projected to see its 5G subscriptions grow tenfold between 2024 and 2029, reaching 51.9 million. Egypt is also expected to roll out 5G services starting in 2025, following the issuance of licenses to major telecom providers.
Mobile subscriptions in Africa are forecast to reach 1.78 billion by 2029, with 4G and 5G making up over 80% of all subscriptions. The shift towards mobile broadband will drive growth in mobile data and digital services, with mobile revenue in Africa projected to grow by 31% by 2029.
While mobile broadband expands, Omdia emphasizes the growing importance of fiber networks in shaping the future of Africa’s broadband market. Fiber subscriptions are expected to grow by 131% between 2024 and 2029, although the region still lags in fiber development compared to other regions. The report highlights that fiber technology is essential for supporting high-bandwidth applications and achieving energy efficiency in Africa’s fixed broadband market.
