The June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report projects significant growth in 5G adoption and fintech services across Sub-Saharan Africa, driven by rising mobile data demand, digital innovation, and infrastructure expansion.
Global 5G Subscriptions Set to Hit 2.9 Billion by End of 2025
According to Ericsson’s June 2025 Mobility Report, global 5G subscriptions are expected to reach 2.9 billion by the end of 2025, representing approximately one-third of all mobile subscriptions. This figure is forecast to climb to 6.3 billion by the end of 2030, with 5G networks projected to carry over 80% of global mobile traffic.
Key Global Highlights:
- Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) to account for 35% of new fixed broadband connections
- FWA connections projected to grow to 350 million by 2030
- 5G Standalone (5G SA) and 5G Advanced to unlock new monetization models
- Service providers are shifting focus from data volume to value-based offerings
5G Expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa: 400 Million Subscriptions by 2030
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the report outlines robust momentum for 5G, underpinned by a young, digitally active population, affordable smartphone access, and strong demand for digital services.
By 2030:
- 5G subscriptions are forecast to reach around 400 million
- 4G will account for 37% of mobile subscriptions
- 2G and 3G subscriptions are expected to decline by 5% and 10% annually, respectively
The expansion of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is also a key driver in the region, providing an efficient solution to extend broadband coverage, especially where traditional fiber or cable infrastructure is not viable.
Fintech and Mobile Money: A Rising Revenue Stream for CSPs
Telecom service providers in Africa are increasingly diversifying into fintech services, especially mobile money platforms, which continue to see high adoption across both urban and rural markets. These services are:
- Enhancing financial inclusion
- Boosting connectivity for small businesses and households
- Creating recurring revenue streams beyond traditional telecom services
The Ericsson Mobility Report notes that long-term growth will depend on sustained infrastructure investment and supportive regulatory frameworks across the continent.
Use Cases Fueling 5G Monetization
The report also identifies a wide range of 5G-powered commercial use cases that are driving revenue for communications service providers (CSPs), including:
- Broadcast and video production
- Point of sale (POS) systems
- Events and sports arenas
- Gaming and entertainment platforms
- Private virtual networks
- Enterprise cloud and productivity tools
- Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
By delivering differentiated connectivity solutions tailored to enterprise and consumer needs, CSPs are shifting from data commoditization to value-based monetization strategies.
Ericsson Mobility Report: A Trusted Telecom Industry Benchmark
Since its launch in 2011, the Ericsson Mobility Report has become a key industry reference for:
- Network data and performance
- Market forecasts and trends
- Real-world case studies from telecom operators and partners
The June 2025 edition offers critical insights into the evolution of mobile connectivity, positioning 5G and fintech as transformational pillars for Africa’s digital future.
