Race to 5G opens new opportunities in Africa

The race to 5G technology is opening up new opportunities in Africa, with the potential to transform industries and enhance connectivity across the continent. As the Director of Transformation, Digital & Media at Orange Cote d'Ivoire, Habib Bamba, discusses the impact of 5G on businesses and the strategies in place to drive adoption. The power, bandwidth, and speed of 5G are globally transforming technologies such as the Internet of Things, Big Data, and Virtual Reality, allowing businesses to operate more competitively. With 5G rollout and deployment imminent in Cote d'Ivoire, there is a sense of anticipation regarding the potential it holds for local businesses. Habib Bamba highlights the significant advancements in connectivity that 5G will bring, stating that it is 100 times faster than previous connections. This increased speed and reliability are expected to pave the way for new services and opportunities across various industries, including agriculture, tourism, and services. The goal is to leverage 5G technology to drive digital transformation and capitalize on the new possibilities it offers. In preparation for the 5G rollout, Orange Cote d'Ivoire has established a 5G lab, serving as a collaborative space equipped with 5G technology. This lab aims to educate local businesses on the benefits of 5G and facilitate the testing of different use cases across industries. By engaging with startups and entrepreneurs, Orange is ensuring that young innovators can explore new ways to harness the potential of 5G technology. The launch of the Orange 5G challenge further encourages entrepreneurs to develop innovative services using 5G technology, fostering a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship. Adoption strategies based on previous 3G and 4G deployments indicate that 5G adoption in Africa is progressing faster than anticipated, with 12 countries already prepared to embrace the technology. While the initial focus of 5G may be on business-to-business applications, it is expected to gradually expand to consumer-driven services. One of the key challenges businesses may face in the deployment of 5G is understanding the capabilities and risks associated with the technology. Orange Cote d'Ivoire is addressing this challenge through educational initiatives and collaboration to ensure businesses are prepared to leverage 5G effectively. The implementation of 5G technology may also introduce new risks, particularly in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), leading to potential cybersecurity threats that need to be managed proactively. As 5G promises higher speeds and data volumes, concerns about affordability arise. Orange is committed to making 5G technology accessible and affordable for end users, leveraging partnerships and investments to mitigate costs. Despite the initial hurdle of acquiring 5G devices, efforts are underway to offer cost-effective solutions to ensure widespread adoption. The opportunities presented by 5G technology in Africa are vast, ranging from enhanced connectivity to innovation and entrepreneurship. As the continent embraces the possibilities of high-speed internet, the future holds immense potential for growth and development.