Globally, 5G is no longer a futuristic concept but it’s fast becoming mainstream. According to the Ericsson Mobility Report 2024 , 5G subscriptions were expected to reach 2.3 billion by the end of 2024, accounting for more than 25% of all mobile subscriptions. In contrast, Sub-Saharan Africa was projected to reach just 3% 5G penetration by the same time. The majority of users across the continent still rely on 3G and 4G networks, which—while foundational, are rapidly falling short of the continent’s growing digital demands. 

Yet the shift has begun. Several African nations have launched commercial 5G services, and momentum is building across policy, infrastructure, and device affordability. It may be early days, but the direction is clear. And the projections confirm that a tipping point is approaching: GSMA forecasts that 5G will account for 16% of all mobile connections  in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. While that may sound modest when compared to global uptake, it equates to tens of millions of new users. More importantly, it opens a strategic window of opportunity—one where Africa can leapfrog traditional limitations and deploy 5G not just as faster internet, but as a platform for inclusive innovation, economic growth, and digital empowerment. 

At GITEX Africa 2025, we sat down with Majda Lahlou Kassi—President of Ericsson Morocco, Vice President, and Customer Unit Head for West and South Africa at Ericsson—for a wide-ranging conversation. Lahlou Kassi laid out Ericsson’s bold vision for Africa’s digital future, spotlighting 5G not just as the next technological leap, but as a transformative force for unlocking inclusive growth across the continent. 

In this TechTalk Thursday article, we delve into this conversation with Majda Lahlou Kassi to unpack Ericsson’s ambitious 5G strategy for Africa—exploring how connectivity, collaboration, and capacity-building can unlock a more inclusive and digitally empowered future for the continent.  

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

Ericsson’s 4-Pillar Strategy: Making “Next” Happen Now 

Ericsson’s approach to enabling Africa’s 5G moment rests on four core pillars—and each deserves close attention from policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners alike: 

Nationwide 5G Coverage

True transformation requires nationwide, affordable, and resilient 5G networks—especially in rural and underserved regions. Kassi emphasized the need to move beyond showcase deployments and invest in broad-based access. This goes beyond limited hotspots to ensure ubiquitous access to 5G technology. The focus is on deploying 5G standalone and advanced technologies to deliver a truly transformative experience to consumers and businesses alike.  

Open Ecosystems

Recognizing that progress requires collaboration, Ericsson is committed to breaking down barriers and fostering an open ecosystem where all stakeholders can work together to shape Africa’s digital future. Ericsson is pushing for an ecosystem that includes developers, startups, government agencies, telecom operators, and tech multinationals. This “co-creation” approach ensures that innovations are designed with Africa in mind, not just for it. 

Supportive Policy Frameworks

Ericsson actively advocates for regulatory environments that encourage 5G deployment, incentivize innovation, and promote fair competition. This includes working closely with governments and regulatory bodies to create policies that support the long-term growth of the digital economy. Ericsson’s recent MOUs in Nigeria and Morocco showcase how forward-thinking governments are aligning with industry to create innovation labs, promote spectrum efficiency, and support skills development.  

Consumer Empowerment

Understanding that technology is only as effective as its users, Ericsson places a strong emphasis on upskilling, capacity building, and digital inclusion. This involves equipping individuals and communities with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the digital age. Kassi highlighted the evolving expectations of consumers, noting that they are “no longer satisfied with just standard performance” and are “even willing to pay for it,” demonstrating a clear demand for differentiated connectivity experiences. 

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.  

In Africa, we talk a lot about agriculture. So not so long ago, a farmer in a remote area in Africa would wake up early in the morning and start his daily routine, you know, the traditional way. Today, that same farmer still rises very early, but then has multiple possibilities powered by, you know, AI applications. He can check the weather on AI powered applications. He can monitor in almost real time the crops prices in a marketplace or can apply for a micro loan through Ericsson Mobile Wallet.

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

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. 

Kassi emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, stating that Ericsson has “a lot to learn from these institutions” and that it is “through this collaboration that we can come to the solutions that the consumer in the market expects from us.” 

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. The vision is ambitious, but with collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to empowering local communities, Ericsson believes that the promise of 5G can be realized, unlocking a new era of growth and opportunity for the continent.

Watch the full interview here: