Ericsson says mobile data traffic in Sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to grow by almost 6.5 times the current figures, with total traffic increasing from 0.87 exabytes (EB) per month in 2020 to 5.6 EB by 2026. According to Ericsson’s Mobility Report, the average traffic per smartphone is expected to reach 8.9 GB over the forecast period. As the demand for capacity and coverage of mobile networks continues to grow, service providers are expected to keep investing in their networks.
Mobile penetration is currently at 84 percent which is less than the global average, says the report. LTE is estimated to account for around 15 percent of subscriptions by the end of 2020. The report reiterates the importance of releasing more spectrum in Africa to expand coverage, improve network quality and encourage mobile adoption. Over the forecast period, mobile broadband subscriptions are predicted to increase, reaching 76 percent of mobile subscriptions.
Factors behind the growth of mobile broadband subscriptions include a young, growing population with increasing digital skills and more affordable smartphones. Over the forecast period, distinct volumes of 5G subscriptions are expected from 2022, reaching 5 percent in 2026.
While 5G and LTE subscriptions will continue to grow over the next six years, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) will remain the dominant technology in SSA with a share of over 40 percent in 2026. Within Africa, offering-led is the most common strategy, frequently offering a wide range of services linked to mobile subscriptions such as gaming, mobile banking and insurance.
