Africa is expected to reach 1bn mobile subscriptions in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 1.02bn by year-end, according to research from Ovum
The advisory firm predicts that the total number of mobile subscriptions on the continent total 1.33bn at the end of 2021.
According to the firm, the average rate of mobile penetration in Africa was 79 per cent at the end of June 2016.
Ovum notes that data capabilities, as well as data and digital service revenue, is set to drive growth in Africa’s telecoms market.
Mobile broadband will rise dramatically, as operators continue to launch 3G and 4G LTE networks.
“As Africa nears the landmark of one billion mobile subscriptions, it is clear that the next phase of growth will be in broadband connections and in revenue from data access as well as from new ‘digital services’ such as digital media and mobile financial services,” said Matthew Reed, practice leader, Middle East and Africa, at Ovum.
“However, Africa remains less advanced than most other world regions in its broadband development, and there is both an opportunity and a need to further improve connectivity on the continent, and to take advantage of the benefits that connectivity can bring."
Most Read
The Carmix 3.5TT is renowned for its robust performance in concrete mixing. (Image source: Carmix)
Genuine Volvo Parts are specifically developed, tested and approved to get the very best results from your Volvo machine. (Image source: Volvo CE)
The transaction will give TotalEnergies an interest in hydropower projects in Uganda, Rwanda and Malawi. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The Cat G3520 Fast Response natural-gas generator set is available for dealers around the world. (Image source: Cat)
Hyde Johannesburg marks a major milestone for Ennismore as the brand’s first hotel in Africa. (Image source: Ennismore)
Latest news
The project is expected to expand electricity access to the nearby community. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Bboxx Protect offers exclusive coverage for Bboxx Ride customers, including protection against material damage, fire, third-party liabilities, life insurance, and total permanent disability. (Image source: Bboxx)
The load arrived at the copper mine site on 25 November and was successfully offloaded. (Image source: Vanguard)
Volvo’s On-Board Weighing systems are designed for wheel loaders, excavators and articulated haulers. (Image source: Volvo CE)
Raxio Mozambique and Raxio Ethiopia join a growing portfolio of Tier III-certified data centres. (Image source: Raxio)
