Africa’s mobile landscape is on the brink of transformation as fifth-generation (5G) technology begins to take hold across key markets.
According to PwC’s Africa Entertainment and Media Outlook 2025–2029, the region is entering a new era of connectivity that will accelerate the growth of streaming, gaming, and data-driven industries.
By 2027, 5G subscriptions are expected to surpass 3G usage across much of the continent, signalling a major shift in mobile infrastructure. The report projects that 5G will account for more than one-third of total mobile subscriptions by 2029, reflecting the rapid rollout of faster and more reliable networks.
South Africa is leading adoption, followed by Nigeria and Kenya, where telecom companies are expanding urban coverage and preparing to extend service to secondary towns.
The transition is being driven by rising demand for high-bandwidth applications such as video streaming, esports, and connected devices.
In South Africa, video already accounts for 76 per cent of all data traffic, while in Kenya, data usage is surging due to mobile-first access and the availability of affordable smartphones. Nigeria, with over 107 million internet users, is expected to see its data consumption triple by 2029.
Beyond entertainment, 5G is expected to power broader economic growth. Faster networks will support industries such as logistics, telemedicine, and fintech, while also boosting cloud computing and Internet of Things services.
However, PwC cautions that infrastructural and regulatory challenges, particularly the high cost of spectrum and limited power reliability, could slow the pace of deployment in some regions.
What is the state of 5G in Kenya?
Kenya’s 5G rollout is accelerating as Safaricom and Airtel expand networks and compete for early users. Safaricom, which launched 5G commercially in October 2022, now operates over 1,100 sites across all 47 counties, covering about 14 percent of the population.
Airtel followed in 2023 and has more than 690 sites in 39 counties, with plans to exceed 1,600 by the end of 2024.
Both offer mobile and fixed wireless access, but coverage remains largely urban. In August 2024, Safaricom launched East Africa’s first 5G Standalone network, enhancing speed and reliability.
Kenya’s Communications Authority has backed expansion through a 5G roadmap, positioning the country as a regional technology hub.
Challenges persist, including the high cost of compatible devices and unclear monetisation strategies. Operators are now focusing on enterprise solutions, using 5G to power IoT, cloud services and cybersecurity as Kenya moves toward a more connected digital economy.
