Nigeria has ranked 120th out of 137 countries in the latest Global Network Excellence Index, compiled by mobile analytics company Opensignal. The ranking evaluates countries based on 4G/5G availability, network consistency, and download speeds, with Nigeria falling behind 19 African countries in terms of mobile network performance.
The index, assessing mobile infrastructure as of the fourth quarter of 2024, places Nigeria alongside Mozambique and Tanzania at the 120th spot. The country’s 4G/5G availability is ranked 106th, network quality 123rd, and 4G download speed 120th, with no information available on 5G speeds. In contrast, South Africa, which led the region, ranked 64th overall with high 4G/5G availability and excellent network quality.
African countries ahead of Nigeria in the ranking include Morocco (87th), Tunisia (89th), Egypt (95th), and Kenya (100th), among others. The index highlights the significant gap in mobile network performance within the African continent, with several countries outperforming Nigeria in critical areas of 4G/5G access and speed.
Globally, Denmark ranks first for mobile network excellence, followed by South Korea, Finland, Norway, and the Netherlands. Countries like Sweden, Taiwan, and the USA also rank high in terms of network performance.
Key Insights and Challenges
Opensignal’s analysis indicates that spectrum strategy plays a crucial role in mobile network excellence, with countries that release mid-band spectrum (3.5GHz) showing faster 5G speeds and higher network capacity. The report also stresses the importance of progressive digital strategies, regulatory reforms, and the expansion of coverage to underserved areas for digital inclusion and economic development.
The analysis suggests that while 5G adoption is growing globally, strong 4G performance remains crucial, particularly in lower-income markets. High 4G speeds indicate a network with strong capacity, which can support 5G when adoption increases. For countries like Nigeria, addressing gaps in network availability and improving digital infrastructure will be critical for future growth and competitiveness in the digital economy.
