The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2022

This insight is open to all subscribers and registered users, or available by completing the form below.
Report details
The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2022
As countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the rest of the world, transition into a post-pandemic economic recovery phase, mobile connectivity is set to play a crucial role in defining the ‘new normal’. Authorities see an opportunity to leverage digital technology and services to build economies that are more resilient to future shocks, enhance productivity and efficiency in service delivery, and ensure more inclusive socioeconomic development.
Although 3G will remain the dominant connectivity technology in Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for over half of total connections by 2025, this year marks a turning point as 3G adoption begins to decline for the first time. By 2025, 4G will account for a third of mobile connections in the region, compared to under a fifth of connections in 2021. 5G-related activities are also beginning to pick up across the region. These include 5G spectrum auctions, 5G pilots and commercial trials, and efforts to develop locally relevant 5G use cases.
In 2021, mobile technologies and services generated around 8% of GDP across Sub-Saharan Africa. The mobile ecosystem also supported more than 3.2 million jobs (directly and indirectly) and made a substantial contribution to the funding of the public sector, with $16 billion raised through taxes on the sector.
Download the Report
Complete the form below to get instant access to this content. For easier access in the future, you can register for a free account here.
By submitting this form, you agree that your email address and related activity on the platform will be processed for the purpose of generating and providing the requested report. Your data will be shared with GSMA Intelligence for this purpose. For more information, please see the GSMA Intelligence Privacy Policy.
Report details
The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2022
Related research
Taking the pulse: operator views and plans on quantum technologies
Over the last two years the rise of quantum technologies has flown slightly below the radar, crowded out by the hype of AI. But this should not diminish the implications of quantum technologies for a range of businesses, including telecoms operators. Quantum technologies can provide powerful benefits, including enhanced network security and efficiency. In this report we focus on the strategic implications of quantum technology deployments and the risks of not taking action.
Mobile Data Deck, Q4 2025
The GSMA Intelligence Mobile Data Deck offers a fast track to all the essential data you need to know, with key mobile metrics in one easy-to-use deck of charts. The forecasts to 2030 include connections by region and technology generation, smartphone connections and adoption, and mobile operator revenue.
Global Mobile Forecasts, Q4 2025 Review: capturing the changes, discussing the drivers
GSMA Intelligence constantly monitors mobile markets across the world to capture the most recent trends and share the latest available data. This analysis looks at the key revisions made to the mobile connection forecasts over the previous quarter and the drivers underpinning the changes.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
Taking the pulse: operator views and plans on quantum technologies
Over the last two years the rise of quantum technologies has flown slightly below the radar, crowded out by the hype of AI. But this should not diminish the implications of quantum technologies for a range of businesses, including telecoms operators. Quantum technologies can provide powerful benefits, including enhanced network security and efficiency. In this report we focus on the strategic implications of quantum technology deployments and the risks of not taking action.
Mobile Data Deck, Q4 2025
The GSMA Intelligence Mobile Data Deck offers a fast track to all the essential data you need to know, with key mobile metrics in one easy-to-use deck of charts. The forecasts to 2030 include connections by region and technology generation, smartphone connections and adoption, and mobile operator revenue.
Global Mobile Forecasts, Q4 2025 Review: capturing the changes, discussing the drivers
GSMA Intelligence constantly monitors mobile markets across the world to capture the most recent trends and share the latest available data. This analysis looks at the key revisions made to the mobile connection forecasts over the previous quarter and the drivers underpinning the changes.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics
