The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2023

5G is gathering momentum in Sub-Saharan Africa, with 27 operators in 16 markets across the region having already launched commercial 5G services. Governments and enterprises in the region are increasingly using technologies to tackle the biggest challenges faced by society, and 5G will play a key role in this area. Underscoring the impact of mobile in the region, mobile technologies and services generated over 8% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP, which amounted to $170 billion of economic value added.

In addition to a range of technology, socioeconomic and financial datasets, including forecasts out to 2030, the Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2023 examines key trends across the mobile industry: the growing momentum of 5G; the rise in the use of AI tools; circularity gaining momentum; smartphone affordability; and growing fintech solutions. Additionally, it explores the mobile industry’s impact on the SDGs and the innovations to connect the unconnected. Finally, the research discusses policies for growth and innovation, with a focus on cybersecurity.