5G subscriptions to top 70 million in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2026
5G subscriptions to top 70 million in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2026
Two reports were released that forecast the post-pandemic world and the future of 5G in Sub-Saharan Africa and throughout the world.
Ericsson Mobility's recently released report (EMR) highlights distinct trends in each market, including Sub-Saharan Africa.
Ericsson forecasts that 5G mobile subscriptions will exceed 580 million by the end of 2021, fueled by an estimated one million new 5G mobile subscriptions daily.
The forecast confirms the widely held belief that 5G will be the most widely adopted mobile generation. 5G is expected to reach 1 billion subscriptions two years ahead of the 4G LTE standard.
The report includes segmented data from Sub-Saharan African markets, where approximately 15% of mobile subscriptions will be 4G by the end of 2020.
Future Expectation
Mobile broadband subscriptions are expected to grow in Sub-Saharan Africa, reaching 76 percent of total mobile subscriptions by 2026.
The report notes, however, that while 5G subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa are not expected to grow in the region until 2021, they are expected to reach around 70 million in 2026.
Additionally, Ericsson launched the ConsumerLab report to assess 5G's penetration and the enormous potential it holds for markets worldwide.
ConsumerLab's latest report revealed critical insights into what Sub-Saharan African consumers believe will happen beyond the pandemic, into the year 2025, through a survey of 1,000–2,000 respondents aged 15–79.
According to the report, when consumers in Africa enter the "next normal," they will have added an average of 3.4 online services to their daily online activities, while also increasing their weekly online time by 10 hours from pre-pandemic levels by 2025.
This move is also expected to narrow the divide between moderate and advanced online users, with the more moderate online users incorporating more online services into their daily lives during the pandemic.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online education and remote working have increased to 87 percent and 6 percent, respectively, in schools and universities.
Online education and remote work are expected to remain at a combined rate of 51% in the future, the report stated.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, online shopping accounted for 28% of all shopping events, both online and in physical stores.
This figure increased to 47% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers anticipate that their online shopping habits will remain at 37% after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed.
Todd Ashton, Vice President and Head of Ericsson South and East Africa, commented, "We expect continued growth in mobile broadband in Sub-Saharan Africa as a result of the young population, increased coverage, and more affordable smartphones."
“By 2025, we will have established a new normal, as online activities become more prevalent on a daily basis. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 4G will become more prevalent and 5G will begin to grow. As a result, we will undoubtedly see an acceleration of economic growth and digital inclusion in Africa,” he concluded.
According to Ericsson, despite the uncertainty created by COVID-19, service providers are continuing to activate 5G, with over 160 service providers launching commercial 5G services.
