The Transformative Impact of 5G Technology: A Boon for Sub-Saharan Africa's Manufacturing Sector.

The GSM Association (GSMA), the global umbrella body of mobile network operators, has heralded the imminent benefits of 5G technology, especially for the manufacturing sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the latest 'Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa' report by GSMA, the manufacturing sector is poised to receive over 32% of the advantages stemming from the deployment of 5G by telecom operators. This revolutionary technology is expected to drive progress in various sectors, with applications like smart factories, smart cities, and smart grids leading the way.

The Manufacturing Sector's 5G Revolution.

GSMA's report underscores the pivotal role that 5G technology is set to play in transforming the manufacturing landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa. With an estimated 32% of benefits projected to flow into the manufacturing sector, the impetus is expected to come from applications such as smart factories. The integration of 5G technology will facilitate not only efficiency but also innovation in manufacturing processes. Smart cities and smart grids are additional domains where 5G is expected to bring about significant positive changes, contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.

Sector-wise Distribution of Benefits.

While the manufacturing sector takes the lead with 32% of the anticipated benefits, GSMA projects that 29% will be directed towards the services sector. The remaining sectors will reap the advantages based on their capacity to incorporate 5G use cases into their business operations. This strategic distribution emphasizes the pervasive impact of 5G technology across diverse sectors, heralding an era of technological integration and innovation.

Economic Impact of 5G in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The report anticipates that 5G technology will inject a substantial boost of $11 billion into the Sub-Saharan African economy by 2030, constituting more than 6% of the overall economic impact of mobile in the region. GSMA notes that the benefits of 5G will materialize gradually, reaching their zenith by 2030 as the technology attains scale and widespread adoption. This injection of economic stimulus is expected to usher in a new era of technological advancement and increased connectivity across the region.

Drivers of 5G Growth: Nigeria and South Africa.

GSMA identifies Nigeria and South Africa as the primary drivers of 5G growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. The report projects that the region will boast 226 million 5G connections by 2030, reflecting an adoption rate of 17%. However, the growth trajectory will be steady, with Nigeria and South Africa accounting for nearly half of these connections. GSMA underscores that the slow but steady growth will be influenced by a continued migration to 4G, reflecting the evolving nature of connectivity demands in the region.

5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Market.

The report sheds light on the burgeoning 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) market in Sub-Saharan Africa. Operators such as Orange Botswana and Telkom South Africa have already launched commercial 5G FWA services, positioning FWA as a primary broadband connection. The growth of FWA is anticipated to enhance coverage in the region, increase the number of subscribers for operators, and pave the way for new use cases. This strategic development underscores the multifaceted impact of 5G, extending beyond traditional mobile services.

Steady Growth of Unique Mobile Subscribers.

GSMA's report brings attention to the consistent growth of unique mobile subscribers in Sub-Saharan Africa, a trend expected to persist over the next seven years. The projection indicates that the total number of subscribers in the region will reach nearly 700 million by the end of 2030. Once again, Nigeria and Ethiopia are slated to account for almost a third of the total subscribers in Africa by that time.

Mobile Penetration and Global Comparisons.

Despite the positive trajectory, the report suggests that mobile penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa will reach 50% by 2030, a figure considerably lower than the global average of 73% projected for the same year. This statistic highlights both the potential for growth and the existing digital divide in the region. While mobile penetration is on the rise, efforts must continue to bridge the gap and ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are accessible to all.

The GSMA's report paints a promising picture of the transformative impact of 5G technology on Sub-Saharan Africa, with the manufacturing sector poised to benefit significantly. As the region prepares for the 5G revolution, the strategic distribution of benefits across sectors emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of this technological advancement. With Nigeria and South Africa leading the 5G charge, the slow but steady growth trajectory indicates a thoughtful evolution in response to evolving connectivity demands.

As the economic impact of 5G is poised to inject $11 billion into the Sub-Saharan African economy by 2030, the region stands at the cusp of a technological renaissance. The growth of the 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) market and the continued rise of unique mobile subscribers underscore the dynamic nature of technological progress in the region. However, the report's insights also highlight the imperative of addressing the digital divide to ensure equitable access to the benefits of 5G technology. In essence, the journey toward a more connected and technologically advanced Sub-Saharan Africa is well underway, with 5G paving the way for a future marked by innovation, economic growth, and increased connectivity for all.