Next Starts Now: Ericsson’s Bold Strategy for a 5G-Powered Africa

Beyond Connectivity: A Paradigm Shift

While acknowledging the importance of basic connectivity, Kassi emphasized Ericsson’s laser focus on “what’s next,” a theme prominently displayed at their booth in GITEX Africa. This “next” involves leveraging the accelerating deployment of 5G to drive growth across diverse sectors, fostering an environment where innovation flourishes and opportunities abound.

“At Ericsson, we believe that next starts now—and that’s the message we’re showcasing at our booth here at GITEX Africa. With 5G gaining momentum across the continent, we’re focused on how it can truly unlock Africa’s full potential. We’re approaching this from multiple angles—looking at what 5G means for consumers, how it empowers enterprises and the public sector, and, increasingly, how it enables developers. We’re moving beyond just B2C and B2B; now, it’s about B2D—business to developers. The question is: how do we unleash the full capabilities of the network so developers can create that breakthrough, ‘killer’ application tailored for Africa?”

—Majda Lahlou Kassi, President of Ericsson Morocco; Vice President & Customer Unit Head, West and South Africa, Ericsson 

 

The Four Pillars of Ericsson’s 5G Strategy

Ericsson’s strategy rests on four key elements: Nationwide 5G Coverage (Moving beyond hotspots to ensure widespread access, including 5G standalone and advanced technologies), Open Ecosystem (Breaking down barriers to foster collaboration among all stakeholders.), Supportive Policy Framework (Advocating for regulations that encourage 5G deployment and innovation.), and Consumer Empowerment (Focusing on upskilling, capacity building, and digital inclusion to meet consumer demand for differentiated connectivity).

5G in Action: Revolutionizing Agriculture and Beyond

Kassi addressed skepticism by providing a compelling example of how 5G is already transforming agriculture. She painted a vivid picture of a farmer using AI-powered applications to check weather, monitor crop prices, and apply for microloans via Ericsson Mobile Wallet. 5G-powered fixed wireless access can bring “really good connectivity and connection and broadband similar to what fiber will offer, but much cheaper” to remote areas.

The Power of Partnerships: Public, Private, and Educational

Ericsson recognizes that achieving its ambitious vision requires strong partnerships across various sectors. The company is actively engaging with governments through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), such as those in Nigeria, to establish innovation labs and deploy educational programs like Ericsson Educate to support small enterprises and startups.

Education as a Cornerstone of Progress

Education and upskilling are not merely add-ons but are integral to Ericsson’s strategy. Kassi underscored that education is “one of the four pillars that we see important for building this ecosystem.” By investing in the education of the young generation, Ericsson aims to “enable the next era of innovation, connectivity, but also this new business paradigm that we are expecting to happen very soon in Africa.”

An Optimistic Vision for a Connected Africa

Despite the inherent challenges, Ericsson remains steadfast in its optimistic outlook for Africa’s 5G future. By focusing on nationwide coverage, fostering an open ecosystem, advocating for supportive policies, and empowering consumers through education, Ericsson is paving the way for a connected and digitally inclusive Africa.