Document details

The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2023

London: GSMA (2023), 46 pp.

Contains illustrations

"Mobile connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa continues to drive digital transformation and socioeconomic advancements. This underlines the need for continued efforts to address the persisting barriers that impact mobile internet adoption in the region, particularly the affordability of devices, online safety concerns and the lack of digital skills. Meanwhile, authorities and enterprises see an opportunity to leverage growing 4G and 5G networks, alongside emerging technologies such as AI and IoT, to enhance productivity and efficiency in service delivery. The adoption of 4G has accelerated in recent years, partly driven by the growing demand for faster speeds among younger consumers. Over the next five years, 4G adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa will more than double to 45%. 5G momentum is also growing, although the initial focus for 5G deployment is on urban areas and industrial locations, where there is greater need for the technology. 5G is expected to benefit the Sub-Saharan Africa economy by $11 billion in 2030, accounting for more than 6% of the overall economic impact of mobile." (Executive summary)
1 The mobile industry in numbers, 10
2 Mobile industry trends, 25
3 Mobile industry impact, 36
Operators explore new models to connect the unconnected -- Mobile's impact on the SDGs
4 Policies for safe and inclusive digital development, 40
Improving online safety -- Spectrum policy for inclusive digital development