The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) has released a crucial new report that evaluates the readiness of African countries to roll out and utilize 5G networks across the continent. The report, titled “Report on 5G Preparedness and Relevant Use Cases in Africa,” marks another key step in ATU’s commitment to supporting digital transformation in Africa.
We are in the midst of the 4th industrial revolution, defined by digital innovation. For context, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd industrial revolutions were driven by steam engine, oil, and electronics, respectively. According to the ITU, “to maximize its impact on society and the economy, digital connectivity must be both universal and meaningful,” with the latter referring to a form of connectivity that is empowering enough for users to fully participate in the digital economy, along with the social well-being of society at an affordable cost.
The 2024 edition of Facts and Figures, i.e. ITU’s annual overview of the state of global digital connectivity, estimates Africa’s internet use at 38% of the population against a global average of 68%. To bridge the gaps in both universal and more so meaningful connectivity, Africa, led by the African Union and supported by various institution notably the ATU, is implementing the Digital Transformation Strategy (DTS) for Africa (2020 – 2030).
As the specialized institution of the AU in the field of digital development, ATU is actively undertaking various initiatives that support the full and innovative implementation of this strategy. Besides supporting the DTS, it is the statutory objective of the ATU to “promote programs for the development of the African Information Society,” by promoting “the development and adoption of appropriate African telecommunications policy and regulatory frameworks.” The most recent initiative from ATU’s Task Group on Emerging Technologies is this newly released 5G preparedness report.
The report focusses on assessing the readiness of African countries to deploy, operate and use 5G networks. The research further explores challenges impacting the deployment of 5G in Africa and the status of deployment in countries that have already embarked on the process. Even more significantly, prominent locally relevant use cases for 5G are well elaborated. In the concluding sections, the report provides recommendations to support decision-making for the deployment of 5G networks and use cases in Africa with the ultimate objective of promoting its maximized benefit.
Regarding the availability of the report, Eng. Kezias Kazuba Mwale, director for radiocommunications (spectrum) noted that all ATU publications are freely available online, thus empowering all to have more accessibility to the documents. Eng. Mwale observed that while the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy has set ambitious targets for the continent, “reports like this provide the much-needed guidance for its ambitious goals to be achieved.”
Eng. Baxton Sirewu, Chair of the Task Group on Emerging Technologies, was elated at the release of the report, stating, “The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), where I serve as director for engineering, and the Member State of Zimbabwe are extremely honored to champion the harmonized and coordinated implementation of emerging technologies in Africa, thereby directly contributing towards the collective pursuit of digital transformation in our continent.” In terms of the core process by which the report was developed, Eng. Sirewuexpressed pride in the approach, saying, “In keeping with ATU’s core philosophy of being membership-driven, the report was developed in the most transparent and consultative manner—a consensual process in which every voice of the 52 ATU Member States and 50 Associate Members counts. The significance of this is that we expect Member States and other stakeholders to have trust in the report just like other ATU documents.”
ATU Secretary-General John Omo emphasized the significance of the document during the release. He praised the report’s potential to equip African nations with valuable insights for making informed decisions on 5G deployment. “I earnestly appeal to our Member States to exercise utmost political and technical goodwill towards this report,” Omo said. “The recommendations on 5G usage are crucial, and the success of their implementation will have far-reaching impact on the societies and economies across our continent.”
In addition, Omo framed the discussion around this report as a pivotal moment, stating, “We must now elevate our commitment to the practical deployment of 5G for the benefit of all Africans, ensuring the continent is included in the global digital economy.”
Mr. Omo further noted that the report serves as a call to action for political leadership across the continent to align their efforts in adopting and scaling 5G infrastructure effectively. “The report addresses a critical emerging technology that can unlock untapped opportunities, and we must collectively take the necessary steps to implement the suggested strategies,” he said.
With Africa’s future digital ecosystem increasingly reliant on advanced networks, ATU’s 5G report provides both an urgent and strategic outline for nations to follow. The hope is that, with engaged leadership and cooperative action, Africa will not just follow global trends but will set new standards for digital innovation to transform its economic and social spheres.
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