As the global telecommunications industry turns its attention to 6G, Africa remains focused on closing the 4G coverage gap, a mission critical to ensuring that millions across the continent are not left behind in the digital revolution.
The 4G Reality in Africa
Despite notable improvements in mobile network infrastructure, 4G penetration in Africa still lags behind global averages. Many parts of the continent continue to rely heavily on 2G and 3G networks, especially in rural or underserved areas. According to the GSMA, as of 2024, 2G accounted for 14% of mobile technology usage in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 3G accounted for 55%.
Today, approximately one-third of mobile connections in Africa utilize 4G networks. This is expected to grow steadily, with forecasts suggesting that 4G will overtake 2G and 3G in market share within the next few years. However, this growth is contingent on several factors, including improved access to affordable 4G-enabled devices, increased network investment by operators, and favorable regulatory frameworks.
Driving 4G Expansion
Across the continent, telecom operators and regulators are investing in infrastructure to expand 4G coverage and migrate users to more advanced networks. In Nigeria, for instance, the GSMA revealed that the country requires USD 360 million in investment to expand 4G network coverage to 98% of its geographical area, requiring strategic investments and public-private partnerships.
South Africa has taken a more proactive approach by encouraging the shutdown of legacy networks. The Association of Comms and Technology (ACT) is advocating for an industry-led but state-enabled transition to aid the switch off by 2027. To achieve this, MTN is giving 1.2 million of its prepaid subscribers the option to buy a 4G smartphone for ZAR 99 (USD 5.42). MTN South Africa CEO, Charles Molapisi, stated:
“As the country transitions to technologies like 4G and 5G, it is vital that we take proactive steps to connect as many South Africans as possible.”
Meanwhile, in countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Egypt, operators are collaborating with government agencies to deliver 4G connectivity in rural areas.
Challenges on the Ground
Despite the momentum, numerous challenges continue to hinder 4G adoption across the continent. High deployment costs, power supply issues, and limited access to reliable fiber backhaul infrastructure make it difficult to roll out networks in remote areas.
Affordability also remains a key issue. Many consumers still cannot afford 4G-capable smartphones or the data plans required to take full advantage of high-speed connectivity. In some regions, there is also a lack of digital literacy, making it difficult for users to fully engage with digital services even when network access is available.
On the regulatory side, complex licensing processes, spectrum allocation delays, and lack of coordination among stakeholders can slow down deployment timelines and increase operational costs for telecom providers.
Africa’s Early Steps Toward 6G
While most of the continent is still working to achieve widespread 4G coverage, there are emerging conversations around the eventual transition to 6G.
In South Africa, a leading market, analysts noted that the majority of the country has a low-density population, making it financially unviable for 6G. South Africa would also require more spectrum in spectral bandwidths (95 GHz to 3 THz), as identified by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.
According to Willem Wentzel, GM of Wireless at NEC XON:
“For now, 5G deployments are progressing very slowly in Africa due to regulatory issues in frequency approval, and because standalone 5G networks, though cheaper than traditional networks, still need substantial investment to get off the ground.”
Meanwhile, as per the Fintech Association of Kenya, Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria show the most potential for 6G connectivity in Africa; although, rising debt, corruption, high taxes, authoritarian control, and unreliable power grids are deemed barriers.
A Race on Two Fronts
While the buzz around 5G and 6G continues to dominate headlines in advanced markets, 4G remains Africa’s most immediate opportunity to unlock socio-economic development. It is a proven technology that supports everything from mobile banking and e-learning to smart agriculture and telemedicine, services that are transforming lives across the continent.
Moreover, building a strong and inclusive 4G ecosystem lays the necessary foundation for future technologies. Without robust 4G infrastructure, the leap to 5G and eventually 6G would be unsustainable and would widen the digital divide even further.
Also Read: 6G Revolutionizing Connectivity for a Sustainable Future
Africa’s telecom sector is effectively running two races at once. One is a sprint to extend reliable 4G coverage across the continent, ensuring that no community is left disconnected. The other is a 6G marathon toward digital innovation, a long-term journey that includes preparing for the arrival of next-generation technologies.
As 6G pilots begin in technologically advanced nations, Africa’s focus must remain on the urgent and strategic expansion of 4G. Only by securing this foundation can the continent participate meaningfully in the next wave of connectivity and claim its place in the global digital economy.
