Sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing a sweeping digital transformation, and at its core sits the mobile phone. Far beyond the basic communication function, mobile technology is becoming the backbone of the region’s economy and social infrastructure. With mobile services generating approximately $140 billion in 2023—roughly 7% of the area’s GDP—the mobile industry is one of the most powerful engines of growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Forecasts suggest this figure will rise to $170 billion by 2030, propelled by advances in mobile connectivity, the rapid expansion of 4G and 5G networks, and increasing smartphone adoption.
Mobile phones are the primary—often the only—gateway to the internet for millions of Africans, and thanks to initiatives like smartphone financing plans from companies and broader efforts to lower handset prices, digital inclusion is expanding steadily.
Network technology is also evolving rapidly. In 2023, 4G surpassed 3G to become the dominant mobile connection type in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the next generation of mobile connectivity, 5G, is beginning to make inroads. Although still in its infancy, with only around 1.2% of total mobile connections using 5G in 2023, the technology is projected to account for 17% by 2030.
5G will change the game
Countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have already launched commercial 5G networks. In South Africa, providers like MTN and Vodacom have rolled out services in major cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town. Nigeria has brought 5G to Lagos and Abuja, while Kenya’s Safaricom has activated 5G in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kisii, and Kakamega. In the Horn of Africa, Hormuud Telecom has introduced 5G in Somalia’s urban centres, offering near-national coverage with high-speed connectivity. Meanwhile, other nations like Namibia, Ghana, and parts of West Africa are preparing to join the 5G wave, having completed spectrum auctions or advanced pilot programs.
The economic potential of 5G is significant. By 2030, it is expected to contribute around $10billion to the region’s GDP, representing nearly 6% of the mobile sector’s overall value. But 5G’s impact is not confined to headline numbers as it also enables a suite of transformative applications across various industries.
Innovative cloth cutting
Businesses throughout Sub-Saharan Africa are finding novel ways to adapt mobile technologies to local conditions and needs. In the financial sector, mobile money platforms have revolutionised access to banking and payment services. Ethiopia’s Telebirr, for example, boasts over 51 million users, integrating seamlessly with the country’s vast mobile subscriber base. Even in informal economies, small businesses—such as barbershops in Ghana—use WhatsApp and Facebook for marketing and rely entirely on mobile money for transactions.
In agriculture, mobile platforms now provide critical information to farmers, including weather forecasts, market pricing, and supply chain coordination, reducing inefficiencies and improving yields. In healthcare and education, SMS- and USSD-based services are helping deliver vital services to remote areas, such as appointment reminders, health alerts, and remote learning modules.
Mobile technology is also powering the next wave of industrial development. Telecom operators are deploying Internet of Things (IoT) systems to optimise logistics, mining, and utilities. Fixed wireless access using 5G is delivering broadband connectivity in previously underserved areas, helping businesses operate in rural or infrastructure-poor zones. In port cities and industrial zones, 5G-enabled smart infrastructure is beginning to emerge, setting the stage for more efficient, connected economies.
Money matters
Unlike developed markets, where broadband, bank accounts, and smartphones are nearly ubiquitous, the mobile ecosystem in Sub-Saharan Africa faces a very different set of realities. Device affordability remains a major challenge. In much of the region, users rely on prepaid services and own basic or low-cost smartphones. Network coverage, especially in rural areas, remains incomplete. Many users interact with mobile technology primarily via text messages, USSD codes, and voice calls – services that require minimal data and work on basic handsets. Payments are more likely to be processed through mobile money platforms than traditional credit cards or bank transfers.
These distinctions mean businesses must tailor their mobile strategies to reflect regional needs. For instance, mobile marketing campaigns often use SMS or local-language audio messages rather than app-based push notifications. Apps are designed to run smoothly on older devices and offline whenever possible. Platforms like WhatsApp Business have become essential tools for microenterprises to reach customers, manage orders, and build loyalty—all with minimal overhead and infrastructure.
Looking forward
The region’s mobile-first trajectory offers a wealth of opportunities. Closing the usage and digital skills gap is a top priority for governments, mobile operators, and development organisations alike. With further investment in education, infrastructure, and localised content, the barriers to mobile internet adoption can be overcome. As 4G networks continue to expand and 5G gains traction in urban and industrial centres, Sub-Saharan Africa is well-positioned to leapfrog traditional development models.
The mobile revolution is more than just a technology shift; it’s a foundation for economic growth. And the digital future of Sub-Saharan Africa is being built one mobile connection at a time.
References
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GSMA: https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-economy/sub-saharan-africa -
ITWeb: https://www.itweb.co.za/article/video-telkom-in-video-streaming-push-to-diversify-services-revenue/Gb3Bw7WaVYoq2k6V -
Quartz: https://qz.com/africas-streaming-war-hinges-on-local-content-1850121200 -
Digital Virgo: https://www.digitalvirgo.com/blog/evolving-alternative-payment-methods-dcb-mobile-money -
World Bank: https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/globalfindex/brief/data-from-the-global-findex-2021-the-impact-of-mobile-money-in-sub-saharan-africa -
MEF Event: https://mobileecosystemforum.com/event/mef-connects-content-payments
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