The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2023

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 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.
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 2023
Related research
Global Mobile Trends 2026
Global Mobile Trends 2026 highlights the opportunities and innovations ahead, as well as the challenges facing the mobile industry and beyond. Covering topics including AI, 5G, autonomous networks, devices, security, quantum, satellites, energy innovation and eSIM, the report focuses on what matters in 2026 and the implications for the industry. The latest edition of Global Mobile Trends delivers expert insights into the key trends that will define the mobile ecosystem in 2026 and beyond. Backed by GSMA Intelligence’s industry-leading research and data, the report provides an authoritative look at the forces shaping the next wave of connectivity and innovation.
How the entitlement server is driving impact for mobile operators
Initially deployed for niche use cases, the entitlement server (ES) has expanded to become the intermediary between mobile network infrastructure and the universe of devices. It authenticates a number of services, including RCS messaging, eSIM, network slices and satellite connectivity. The investment logic for the ES is strengthened by clear cost savings and revenue opportunities post deployment. Operators should consider a strategy for monetisation and identity management based on ES deployment.
The Mobile Economy 2026
The mobile industry underpins global connectivity, enabling seamless communication, real‑time data exchange and an expansive ecosystem of consumer and enterprise applications. While extending ubiquitous connectivity through advanced 4G and 5G networks remains a core priority, the industry is also entering a new era shaped by intelligent, adaptive and value‑added digital services. This shift is being enabled by next‑generation mobile networks, such as 5G standalone architectures, and the rapid integration of AI and other transformative technologies across consumer applications and enterprise solutions.
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
Global Mobile Trends 2026
Global Mobile Trends 2026 highlights the opportunities and innovations ahead, as well as the challenges facing the mobile industry and beyond. Covering topics including AI, 5G, autonomous networks, devices, security, quantum, satellites, energy innovation and eSIM, the report focuses on what matters in 2026 and the implications for the industry. The latest edition of Global Mobile Trends delivers expert insights into the key trends that will define the mobile ecosystem in 2026 and beyond. Backed by GSMA Intelligence’s industry-leading research and data, the report provides an authoritative look at the forces shaping the next wave of connectivity and innovation.
How the entitlement server is driving impact for mobile operators
Initially deployed for niche use cases, the entitlement server (ES) has expanded to become the intermediary between mobile network infrastructure and the universe of devices. It authenticates a number of services, including RCS messaging, eSIM, network slices and satellite connectivity. The investment logic for the ES is strengthened by clear cost savings and revenue opportunities post deployment. Operators should consider a strategy for monetisation and identity management based on ES deployment.
The Mobile Economy 2026
The mobile industry underpins global connectivity, enabling seamless communication, real‑time data exchange and an expansive ecosystem of consumer and enterprise applications. While extending ubiquitous connectivity through advanced 4G and 5G networks remains a core priority, the industry is also entering a new era shaped by intelligent, adaptive and value‑added digital services. This shift is being enabled by next‑generation mobile networks, such as 5G standalone architectures, and the rapid integration of AI and other transformative technologies across consumer applications and enterprise solutions.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics
