Page 18 - SAMENA Trends - September-October 2022

INTERVIEW SAMENA TRENDS

Tech Mahindra Talks to SAMENA Council

Tech Mahindra, a part of the multi-billion dollar
conglomerate, Mahindra Group, represents the
connected world, offering innovative and customer-
centric information technology experiences in the age
of digital economy.

Q. What is the state of 5G wireless deployments in
Africa?
A. The rollout of 5G technology across African countries
is still in its nascent stage, but 5G will essentially drive
unprecedented inclusive growth in Africa. There are
currently 24 operators across 18 African countries
who are evaluating/testing/trialing/deploying 5G.
Eight operators have already deployed 5G into pre-
commercial or commercial networks. Vodacom, MTN
and Rain have deployed pre-commercial or commercial
networks in South Africa. Telma Madagascar switched
on its 5G commercial network to offer subscribers
high-speed services enabled by the new generation of
mobile connectivity. MTN has tested 5G in Nigeria and
Uganda; Safaricom has trialed the technology in Kenya
and Gabon telecom has tested it in Gabon. MAFAB
Group has acquired 5G License to deploy nationwide
services in Nigeria. There is rapid growth of 5G trials
conducted in African countries such as Gabon, Kenya,
Nigeria, and Uganda. According to GSMA mobile
economy report, 3G will remain the most dominant
network (58%) for the 1.05 billion mobile connections
projected in Africa by 2025. “the focus in the near term
for operators and other stakeholders is to increase
4G uptake,” the report states. Indeed, 4G connections
are expected to account for only 27% of mobile
connections by 2025—up from 4% today and 5G will
uptake 3% by 2025.
According to GSMA mobile Manish Vyas
economy report, 3G will remain President, Communications, Media and

the most dominant network Entertainment Business, and
(58%) for the 1.05 billion mobile CEO, Network Services
connections projected in Africa Tech Mahindra

by 2025. “the focus in the near
term for operators and other
stakeholders is to increase 4G
uptake

18 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022