As the global push for digital transformation intensifies, private mobile networks (PMNs) are becoming central to enterprise connectivity strategies. Market analysts predict that global revenues from private networks will double by 2028, reflecting surging demand across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and logistics. This growth, however, is tempered by ongoing challenges in 5G deployment, which remain a key hurdle for full-scale adoption.
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Private Mobile Networks: Driving the Future of Industry
Private mobile networks—dedicated wireless infrastructures built for specific enterprises—are increasingly seen as vital for supporting mission-critical operations. They offer unmatched advantages in terms of security, control, reliability, and customization when compared to public networks. In industries where latency and data integrity are paramount, such as in smart factories or autonomous transport hubs, private mobile networks provide the robust framework needed to support real-time communications and automation.
The rise of Industry 4.0 and the proliferation of connected devices are fueling this momentum. Enterprises are no longer content with basic connectivity; they seek comprehensive digital ecosystems. Private LTE and 5G networks are supporting smart applications like predictive maintenance, automated production lines, and immersive training environments.
PMNs in Africa: A Market on the Rise
The Middle East & Africa (MEA) PMN market, valued at USD 90.47 million in 2022, is projected to reach USD 1,152.29 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.4%.
Key countries driving this growth include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa, with the UAE holding the largest market share. In addition, regionally, LTE has already been launched by 201 operators across 66 countries, including Guinea, Mozambique, and Yemen. Globally, over 1,489 customers are deploying private mobile networks, with 32 African companies, mostly in South Africa, Nigeria, and Angola, accounting for 21% of global demand. Currently, more than 50 vendors supply equipment for LTE or 5G-based private networks.
5G: Opportunity and Obstacle
Heavy investment in 5G infrastructure and rising enterprise demand are propelling the adoption of private mobile networks, particularly in manufacturing, which led all of the aforementioned sectors in terms of market share.
While 5G promises to revolutionize connectivity, its rollout has been slower than expected in many regions. Infrastructure costs remain high, particularly in remote or industrial zones where deploying small cells and backhaul networks can be capital-intensive. Furthermore, a shortage of specialized skills and the complexity of integrating 5G into existing IT and OT (operational technology) systems are delaying adoption.
Regulatory inconsistencies and concerns over data privacy and cybersecurity also contribute to the cautious approach many enterprises are taking. As a result, many organizations are deploying private LTE as a stepping stone to 5G, ensuring immediate benefits while keeping future migration in sight.
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Collaboration as a Catalyst
The market’s expansion is being powered by strategic partnerships between telecom operators, network equipment providers, and technology integrators.
In 2024, MTN South Africa broke new ground by launching Africa’s first 5.5G practice, signaling a leap in advanced private mobile network capabilities. Similarly, Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), via the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), awarded second-phase 5G licenses to Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and e& Egypt, paving the way for more sophisticated private mobile network infrastructure.
Simultaneously, e& and Vodafone have deepened their partnership across the EMEA region, emphasizing shared goals around private mobile network expansion. This aligns with industry voices such as Vodafone Oman’s CTO, Stelios Savvides, who forecast the growing importance of mobile private networks, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, to boost efficiency and resilience, during the 18th edition of the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit.
Cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are also entering the ecosystem, offering services that combine cloud infrastructure with localized processing and artificial intelligence (AI). These end-to-end solutions simplify deployment and reduce the barrier to entry for enterprises, especially those without in-house telecom expertise.
Real-World Use Cases
Several sectors are already seeing tangible benefits from private mobile networks:
- Manufacturing: Factories are leveraging private networks for real-time equipment monitoring, robotics, and quality control systems.
- Logistics: Private connectivity enables accurate asset tracking, automated forklifts, and enhanced warehouse coordination.
- Healthcare: Hospitals are adopting private networks to support remote diagnostics, connected medical devices, and smart infrastructure.
- Energy and Mining: Harsh environments with limited public coverage benefit from private networks that support IoT sensors and autonomous operations. For example, MTN Business has been implementing 5G PMNs in African mining operations, enabling real-time monitoring, automation, and enhanced safety.
These examples underscore the growing relevance of private networks as foundational to digital innovation across a range of environments.
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Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges associated with the 5G rollout, the outlook for private mobile networks remains highly optimistic. The forecasted doubling of global revenues by 2028 highlights not just increased adoption, but deeper reliance on these networks for driving digital strategies.
Unlocking this potential will require collective action across the ecosystem. Regulators must continue to free up spectrum and support innovation-friendly policies. Telecom vendors need to invest in simplified, scalable solutions and enterprises must focus on building the skills and infrastructure necessary to take full advantage of what private 5G can offer.
As the world transitions into a more connected, automated future, private mobile networks stand at the intersection of innovation and infrastructure. The next few years will be critical in defining how these networks evolve—and how quickly enterprises can realize their transformative promise.
