The next milestone in the mobile network evolution is more than just an upgrade from 5G; 5G-Advanced (5G-A) promises intelligent, high-performance networks designed to meet the demands of data-driven economies and hyperconnected societies.
With breakthroughs in speed, latency, and network intelligence, 5G-A is transforming how industries operate, how people communicate, and how digital experiences are delivered.
Today, more than 20 African countries have operational 5G networks, and momentum is expected to accelerate in the years ahead. By 2030, the GSMA projects that Africa will boast more than 340 million 5G connections, representing one-fifth of all mobile connections. The GSMA also estimates that 5G alone will contribute USD 26 billion to Africa’s economy by the end of the decade.
Southern Africa is increasingly seen as a prime testbed for 5G-Advanced research and development due to a combination of technical readiness, market dynamics, and policy openness that make it ideal for piloting next-generation connectivity.
Beyond 5G: The Next Step
While 5G has already revolutionized communications and enabled innovations like the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI-driven services, 5G-A takes these capabilities further. Defined under 3GPP Release 18, 5G-A delivers ultra-high data speeds exceeding 10 Gbps, sub-millisecond latency, and reliability suitable for mission-critical operations.
What sets 5G-A apart is its AI-driven network intelligence. These networks can dynamically manage resources, self-optimize, and even self-heal, making them smarter and more adaptive than traditional 5G systems. This intelligence lays the foundation for fully autonomous networks, a crucial step toward the eventual arrival of 6G.
Enhanced uplink capabilities address a key limitation of earlier networks, supporting high-quality transmissions for applications like live broadcasting, drone monitoring, and extended reality (XR). As virtual experiences are explored, 5G-A will provide the infrastructure needed for truly immersive digital interactions.
5G-A Makes Its Mark in Southern Africa
Global network vendors view Southern Africa as a strategic innovation hub for R&D collaboration, while Southern Africa’s regulators and innovation bodies, such as South Africa’s CSIR and DTPS and Botswana’s BOCRA, are promoting sandbox environments for 5G-A experimentation.
Southern Africa’s combination of mature 5G networks, industrial diversity, spectrum access, vendor partnerships, and supportive regulation makes it one of the most promising R&D environments for 5G-Advanced in the Global South.
Real-world deployments in Africa are already showcasing this transformative potential. At Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, MTN, in collaboration with ZTE Corporation, launched a public demonstration of 5G-A technology. The showcase achieved download speeds of 9.2 Gbps on a 5G standalone (SA) network and featured real-world applications, such as AI-generated content, a robotic dog, and glasses-free 3D tablets. This demonstration illustrates how 5G-A extends beyond raw speed, enabling immersive experiences, uplink-intensive applications, and sophisticated device interactions.
At Hout Bay harbor, MTN and ZTE deployed a 5G-A integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) solution using mmWave technology. The trial enabled real-time vessel tracking, electronic geofencing, and the protection of a sensitive seal colony by limiting disturbances. This example demonstrates how 5G-A can support advanced vertical applications, from maritime monitoring to environmental protection, through high-precision sensing and connectivity. It underscores that 5G-A in Africa is not limited to consumer broadband, but is increasingly driving industrial innovation and sustainable growth.
Further illustrating Africa’s leadership in next-generation networks, MTN South Africa, in partnership with Huawei, completed the continent’s first 5.5G network trial at its Johannesburg headquarters. The trial featured a 10-gigabit experience, integrating massive IoT connectivity, autonomous network management, and energy-efficient green ICT features. This project not only highlights the trajectory beyond 5G-A but also demonstrates how African operators are actively pushing the boundaries of connectivity, positioning the region at the forefront of technological innovation.
This year, MTN Zambia partnered with Huawei to introduce a cutting-edge antenna system to boost the country’s network performance and energy efficiency. This third-generation antenna, the Meta-Active Antenna Unit (Meta-AAU), is designed to enhance 5G’s capabilities, offer a wider coverage area, and increase bandwidth, laying the groundwork for 5G-A connectivity.
Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Angola’s 5G launches signal that they are well positioned to adopt 5G-Advanced following the full rollout of 5G.
Sustainability Meets 6G Connectivity
Unlike many regions where harsh winters or unreliable sunlight restrict renewable power, Southern Africa’s abundant year-round sunshine and favorable solar irradiance levels (among the highest globally) create a foundation for energy-efficient, solar-powered 5G-A networks. Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana already lead in solar energy projects, giving them a practical edge in powering next-gen base stations sustainably.
This is particularly relevant given that 5G-A emphasizes energy efficiency. Network slicing and AI-driven traffic management allow operators to reduce power consumption by dynamically adjusting resources according to demand. This approach aligns with global goals for eco-friendly digital infrastructure, enabling greener operations without compromising connectivity.
5G-A also lays the groundwork for 6G. With the ability to support semantic communication, AI-native networking, and satellite-terrestrial integration, 5G-A will define next-generation networks. These innovations extend connectivity to remote regions, help close the digital divide, and support inclusive economic growth, particularly in emerging markets.
The Broader African Impact
As African operators and governments invest in 5G-A, new business models and ecosystems will emerge. Enterprises can deliver connected solutions across sectors, from smart cities to digital agriculture, while consumers enjoy faster, more reliable, and immersive experiences.
Continent-wide, 5G-A offers an opportunity to leapfrog traditional connectivity challenges and join the global digital economy on equal footing.
In essence, 5G-A is a connectivity accelerator, driving Southern Africa toward a more efficient, inclusive, and digitally empowered age.
Read more: 5G Standalone: Overcoming Barriers to Rapid Adoption
