African mobile network operators plan to invest approximately $76 billion in infrastructure through 2030 as demand for faster and more reliable connectivity grows across the continent. According to a new GSMA report, the spending will support an industry projected to contribute $290 billion annually to Africa’s economy by the end of the decade, up from $240 billion in 2025. With basic mobile coverage already reaching 91% of the population, operators are increasingly directing investment toward advanced 5G services and high-speed fiber networks. The GSMA urged African regulators to ease rules around network and infrastructure sharing, arguing that co-investment is essential for controlling the high cost of extending service to rural areas. Industry leaders warn that without broader collaboration on network development, Africa could struggle to keep pace with emerging technologies and opportunities linked to artificial intelligence.
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