Across Africa, the pursuit of high-speed internet has become a continental mission, one marked by bold investments, strategic partnerships, and a drive to connect the unconnected. From the rollout of fiber-optic infrastructure to the emerging power of 5G, Africa’s journey toward high-speed connectivity is transforming lives, economies, and opportunities.
The Fiber-Optic Revolution
Africa’s path to digital transformation began with the expansion of fiber-optic networks. Subsea cables such as SEACOM, EASSy, and the more recent 2Africa cable, backed by Meta and a consortium of global players, have significantly increased bandwidth capacity to the continent. These undersea links, when paired with extensive terrestrial fiber networks, form Africa’s internet infrastructure.
Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa have been frontrunners in fiber deployment, with government policies and private sector partnerships playing a central role. In Ethiopia, Ethio telecom, backed by Chinese telecom giant, ZTE, has implemented an all-optical network for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project, marking a significant step in the country’s digital infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire plans to connect over 1,000 schools and clinics to high-speed internet by the end of 2025, supporting AI strategies and digital skills development in key public sectors.
Further addressing the fiber-optic network evolution, Naveed Kashif, Mobile Networks Market Unit Head for Southern Africa at Nokia, added:
“The telecom sector must prepare for the surge in data traffic. This requires upgrading existing infrastructure to support and monetize data traffic.”
Read More: Assessing the Progress of Internet Activity in Africa
The 5G Frontier
While fiber networks lay the foundation, 5G technology is revolutionizing Africa’s digital landscape. South Africa has led the way with commercial 5G deployments by operators like MTN and Vodacom. Other countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Madagascar, have also made significant strides in 5G adoption.
The potential economic impact of 5G in Africa is substantial. According to the GSMA, 5G could contribute USD 26 billion to the African economy between 2021 and 2030, with sectors like retail, manufacturing, and agriculture expected to benefit the most. Hence, Peeyush Singh, CEO of Telcovas, noted that the company is “pushing [its] roaming and 5G private network solutions across diverse industry verticals.”
However, challenges remain. Infrastructure development is capital-intensive, and harmonizing policies and regulations across countries is essential to facilitate the 5G rollout. Collaborative efforts, such as the agreement between MTN Group and Airtel Africa to share mobile network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria, aim to reduce costs and expedite deployment.
Despite progress, the digital divide persists in many parts of Africa. Rural and underserved areas often lack reliable internet access, limiting opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic development.
Initiatives like Google’s Umoja project, a 13,000-km subsea fiber optic cable linking Kenya to Australia, could enhance digital inclusion by providing faster, cheaper internet to regions across Africa. Similarly, Orange MEA and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have partnered to expand sustainable digital access across West and Central Africa, focusing on mobile towers and fiber-optic networks.
These efforts, combined with investments in terrestrial fiber networks and 5G infrastructure, are crucial for bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all Africans can participate in the digital economy.
A Connected Continent
Africa’s journey toward high-speed internet access is a powerful testament to what is possible when innovation meets vision, when collaboration transcends borders, and when determination is rooted in the collective goal of progress.
As governments, private sector players, and international partners continue to invest in digital infrastructure, the continent stands at a critical inflection point. High-speed connectivity is opening doors to enhanced education through e-learning platforms, revolutionizing healthcare via telemedicine, boosting commerce through digital marketplaces, and driving innovation in agriculture, logistics, and public services.
As Roni Tohme, CEO of Ooredoo Algeria, aptly stated:
“Connectivity is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right and a critical driver of social and economic development.”
Yet, this progress comes with challenges such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory complexities, and affordability issues, which must be addressed with urgency and purpose. With continued commitment, policy alignment, and inclusive strategies, these obstacles can be turned into stepping stones toward even greater achievements.
The promise of a truly connected a continent where digital opportunity is not confined by geography, where youth can compete on a global stage, and where technological empowerment becomes the cornerstone of sustainable development is definitely within reach.
