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Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
4w ago 58 views

Only 1.2% of over one billion Africans have access to 5G networks: Report

A report reveals only 1.2% of Africans have access to 5G, highlighting significant connectivity gaps despite mobile growth.
Only 1.2% of over one billion Africans have access to 5G networks: Report
A What happened
According to the State of Broadband in Africa 2025 report by the International Telecommunication Union and UNESCO, only 1.2% of Africans currently have access to 5G networks, compared to a global average exceeding 20%. Despite notable advancements in mobile connectivity, with 3G and 4G networks reaching 77% and 44.3% of the population respectively, a staggering 710 million Africans do not use the internet. Key challenges include the high cost of devices and insufficient digital skills. The report highlights the significant investment in mobile infrastructure, with $28 billion spent over the past five years and an anticipated $62 billion earmarked for 5G expansion by 2030. Regional disparities are evident, with urban areas experiencing better connectivity than rural regions. Rwanda is noted as a success story in telecommunications transformation, while satellite connectivity is also on the rise with Starlink operating in several African countries.

Key insights

  • 1

    5G Access in Africa

    Only 1.2% of Africans have access to 5G networks.

  • 2

    Investment in Infrastructure

    $62 billion is planned for 5G rollout by 2030.

  • 3

    Connectivity Gaps

    710 million Africans remain offline despite mobile broadband availability.

  • 4

    Rwanda's Success

    Rwanda ranks high in mobile broadband affordability post-liberalization.

  • 5

    Urban vs Rural Divide

    57% internet usage in urban areas vs. 23% in rural Africa.

Takeaways

The report underscores the urgent need for improved digital access and infrastructure investment in Africa.