Africa and Middle East face a mobile revolution by 2031

Mobile connectivity in Africa and the Middle East is set for major changes over the next seven years. The latest Ericsson Mobility Report outlines key trends, showing rapid growth in data usage and shifting network technologies. By 2031, both Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will see significant shifts in how people connect to the internet. In Sub-Saharan Africa, mobile subscriptions are expected to rise steadily. The total number of connections will grow from 490 million in 2025 to 570 million by 2031, increasing at an average annual rate of 3 percent. Smartphone usage will also surge, reaching 960 million subscriptions in the same period.

Data consumption is set to climb sharply. Monthly smartphone usage per user will more than double, jumping from 5.3 GB in 2025 to 12 GB by 2031. Overall mobile data traffic in the region will expand from 1.1 exabytes (EB) per month to 2.7 EB per month. The report also highlights a shift away from older networks. By 2031, 3G subscriptions will drop to 89 million, while 2G will fall to 243 million. Despite this decline, 4G will remain the most widely used technology, covering 44 percent of subscriptions. Meanwhile, 5G adoption will accelerate, reaching around 400 million subscriptions—equivalent to 42 percent of all smartphone connections. In the MENA region, mobile subscriptions will grow more slowly, reaching 780 million by 2031 at an annual growth rate of 1 percent. Unlike Sub-Saharan Africa, 5G will dominate here, accounting for 53 percent of subscriptions by 2031, with 4G making up 44 percent.

The report confirms a clear trend: faster networks and greater data usage will shape Africa’s digital future. By 2031, Sub-Saharan Africa will see 4G as the leading technology, while 5G takes the lead in MENA. The decline of older networks and rising smartphone adoption will further transform how millions access the internet.