Telecom Egypt, a prominent telecommunications provider, has entered into a strategic partnership with Nokia to accelerate the deployment of 5G networks in key urban areas across Egypt. This collaboration marks a significant step forward as the adoption of 5G technology gathers momentum across the African continent.
Just months after receiving Egypt’s first 5G license under a 15-year agreement, Telecom Egypt has teamed up with Nokia to expedite the rollout of this transformative technology. In a statement released on July 15, Telecom Egypt emphasized that this partnership will "redefine the telecommunications landscape in Egypt by bringing the revolutionary capabilities of 5G to cities such as Alexandria, Giza, Luxor, and Aswan."
Mohamed Al Fowey, Chief Technology Officer of Telecom Egypt, highlighted the benefits for customers, stating, "Our consumer and enterprise clients can expect enhanced mobile broadband services and innovative new applications that leverage the high speed and low latency of 5G technology."
The first phase of the 5G deployment is expected to be operational before the end of the year, marking Egypt’s entry into a market poised for significant growth. According to a 2023 report by GSMA Intelligence, Egypt is projected to account for 33% of all 5G connections in Africa by 2030, following Morocco, Algeria, and South Africa.
Although Africa currently represents just 1% of global 5G connections, the technology’s reach is expanding rapidly beyond early adopters like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The GSMA’s September 2023 update revealed that 27 operators across 16 African markets had already launched commercial 5G services.
This rapid expansion is drawing the attention of major global players such as Nokia and Huawei, who are partnering with local telecom companies to drive the adoption of 5G services across the continent. In South Africa, for instance, MTN recently announced a partnership with Huawei to develop 5.5G technology, aiming to enhance network performance and service availability for both consumer and business markets.
Vox, a South African internet service provider, has also entered the 5G market, while Rain, a data-only network provider, became the first to offer 5G services in South Africa back in February 2019.
Kenya is witnessing similar growth, driven by leading telecom operators Safaricom and Airtel. Safaricom's annual report for the year ending March 31, 2024, revealed that the company had established 803 5G sites across 43 of Kenya's 47 counties, a significant increase from 205 sites in March 2023. Airtel Kenya, in comparison, operates 690 5G sites covering 39 counties.
Even in Somalia, the pace of technological advancement is evident. Hormuud Telecom recently launched the country's first 5G network, offering coverage to 81% of major cities, including Mogadishu, Kismayo, and Baidoa. Somtel has also rolled out 5G services, reaching up to 4 million subscribers.
In Ghana, recent 5G deployments have been facilitated through partnerships between industry leaders such as Radisys, Tech Mahindra, and Nokia, in collaboration with the Ghanaian government and local stakeholders. These initiatives aim to fast-track the adoption of 5G across the country.
Looking ahead, the Ericsson Mobility Report from June 2024 predicts that 5G will account for the second-largest share of mobile subscriptions in Africa, reaching 28% by 2029. The GSMA also forecasts that by 2030, 5G will contribute approximately $26 billion to Africa’s economy, with significant impacts expected in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, and agriculture.
This accelerated rollout of 5G technology across Africa is not only enhancing connectivity but also laying the groundwork for economic growth and digital transformation across the continent.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)