Mobile operators are central to this transition. Having spent decades connecting consumers, many are repositioning themselves as full-stack digital partners for governments and enterprises. AI is increasingly being deployed across networks and customer operations, while standardised APIs are opening network capabilities to developers and creating opportunities for entirely new digital services.

Jeevan Thankappan Managing Editor

According to GSMA, the economic impact is already substantial. In 2025, mobile technologies and services generated $ 240 billion in economic value across Africa, equivalent to 7.8 % of regional GDP. The industry supported approximately 13 million jobs and contributed $ 45 billion in public revenues. By 2030, its economic contribution is projected to reach $ 290 billion as 4G and 5G expand and enterprise digitalisation gathers pace.

But infrastructure remains fundamental.

Africa50 and Bayobab, an MTN Group subsidiary, are developing a $ 320 million terrestrial fibre network connecting East and West Africa across ten countries. The project aims to reduce east-west latency by as much as 65 %. Nigeria, meanwhile, is accelerating a $ 2 billion initiative to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre, while Egypt has invested more than $ 6 billion in telecommunications and fixed broadband infrastructure since 2019. Kenya and Tanzania are also strengthening cross-border backbone connectivity, complemented by major infrastructure such as Google’ s Umoja subsea cable.

Satellite connectivity is adding another dimension. Low Earth Orbit networks such as Starlink are expanding their African footprint, while GEO satellite investments continue, including Nigeria’ s NigComSat-2A. Direct-to-device technology could push this convergence further, with initiatives such as Airtel Africa’ s planned directto-cell services bringing satellite connectivity to conventional mobile devices. Amazon Leo, formerly Project Kuiper, is also scheduled to launch in South Africa in 2027 through Herotel.

Yet building networks does not automatically create digital inclusion. Africa’ s defining challenge remains the usage gap: 63 % of the population is covered by mobile broadband but is still not online. Device affordability, digital skills and social barriers therefore matter as much as additional towers and fibre.

Energy presents another challenge. Operators must accommodate rapidly growing data consumption while reducing diesel dependence and meeting sustainability commitments.

The next chapter of African connectivity will consequently be measured by more than coverage. Success will depend on whether this expanding combination of fibre, mobile, cloud and satellite infrastructure can translate connectivity into affordable access, enterprise innovation and meaningful economic participation. www. intelligentcio. com

INTELLIGENT CIO AFRICA

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