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Nigeria poised to become one of Africa’s largest 5G markets, GSMA projects
Nigeria is expected to emerge as one of Africa’s leading 5G markets over the next decade, driven by rising investments in next-generation mobile networks, increasing smartphone adoption and growing demand for high-speed connectivity, according to new projections from the GSM Association (GSMA).
While 4G is expected to remain the dominant mobile technology across much of Sub-Saharan Africa in the near term, the GSMA says 5G adoption is steadily gaining momentum, with Nigeria positioned to play a central role in the region’s transition.
In its Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa report, the GSMA projects that Nigeria and South Africa will account for almost half of the region’s estimated 226 million 5G connections by 2030. The report places total 5G connections in Sub-Saharan Africa at 226 million by the end of the decade, representing an adoption rate of about 17%.
The GSMA has previously identified Nigeria as one of the key markets driving Africa’s transition to advanced mobile technologies, reflecting growing readiness for large-scale 5G deployment.
The broader Mobile Economy 2026 report underscores the growing importance of advanced connectivity technologies to economic transformation across emerging markets.
“AI and 5G are expected to remain the primary investment priorities for enterprises through to 2030, reflecting their role as critical enablers of cross-sector digitalisation,” the GSMA said.
Across the continent, 5G adoption is projected to accelerate significantly over the coming years. The GSMA’s Mobile Economy Africa 2025 report estimates that mobile technologies, including 4G, 5G and AI, could contribute up to $270 billion to Africa’s economy by 2030.
Nigeria among early adopters of 5G in Africa
Nigeria was among the first major markets in Sub-Saharan Africa to launch commercial 5G services following spectrum auctions conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 2021.
Telecommunications operators including MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications launched commercial 5G networks in 2022, with Airtel Nigeria subsequently rolling out its own 5G services, marking a competitive push into next-generation connectivity in the country.
The GSMA has previously identified Nigeria as one of the key markets driving Africa’s transition to advanced mobile technologies, reflecting growing readiness for large-scale 5G deployment.
The expansion of 5G is expected to extend beyond faster mobile broadband, enabling a wider range of use cases including fixed wireless access (FWA) for homes and businesses, industrial automation, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT) deployments and AI-powered services.
As demand rises for faster mobile broadband, cloud computing, artificial intelligence applications and enterprise connectivity, Nigeria’s large population, expanding digital economy and growing mobile broadband usage are positioning it as one of the continent’s most important 5G markets.
According to GSMA Intelligence, FWA is emerging as one of the most promising early applications of 5G in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering operators a pathway to expand broadband access in underserved areas while unlocking new revenue streams.
However, the pace of adoption will depend on the ability to overcome structural constraints, particularly around device affordability and access.
Smartphone affordability remains key 5G barrier
The GSMA notes that Africa continues to record the lowest smartphone ownership levels globally, with just 24% penetration recorded in 2024. Affordability remains the primary barrier limiting adoption, a challenge that directly affects access to 5G services, which require compatible devices.
To address this gap, GSMA and major operators including MTN, Airtel, Orange and Vodacom have launched initiatives aimed at expanding access to more affordable 4G and 5G-enabled devices across African markets.
The organisation argues that reducing handset costs will be critical to increasing mobile internet usage and accelerating the transition to next-generation networks.
As demand rises for faster mobile broadband, cloud computing, artificial intelligence applications and enterprise connectivity, Nigeria’s large population, expanding digital economy and growing mobile broadband usage are positioning it as one of the continent’s most important 5G markets.
The projections suggest that Nigeria’s role in Africa’s digital future will depend not only on continued network expansion, but also on ensuring that consumers and businesses have access to affordable devices and enabling services required to fully leverage 5G connectivity.
Akor Adams could hardly have imagined a more impressive introduction to Italian football.
On a night when Venezia required inspiration, the Super Eagles striker delivered in emphatic fashion, scoring twice and providing an assist as his new club came from 2–1 down to defeat Modena 3–2 in the Coppa Italia.
It was more than a debut.
It was a statement.
Adams, who arrived from Sevilla in a reported €16 million deal that could rise with add-ons, demonstrated why Venezia identified him as a key figure in their plans ahead of their return to Serie A.
The Nigerian opened the scoring in the 26th minute before Modena turned the match around. However, rather than fade from the contest, Adams remained central to Venezia’s response.
He later set up John Yeboah for the equaliser before completing the comeback himself with a second goal in the 85th minute.
In total, Adams contributed directly to all three Venezia goals.
A highly encouraging introduction to Italian football.
Adams Has Already Sent a Warning
While the Coppa Italia is not Serie A, the performance has immediately heightened expectations regarding what Adams could deliver once the league campaign begins.
The 26-year-old arrives in Italy with a point to prove.
Having previously played in Norway, France and Spain, his move to Venezia represents another opportunity to establish himself in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
There is also a compelling narrative developing.
Adams is not merely beginning a new chapter; he is joining a distinguished line of Nigerian forwards who have left their mark on Serie A.
The benchmarks are significant.
The Nigerian Serie A Record Adams Is Chasing
For many years, Obafemi Martins set the standard for Nigerian strikers in Italy.
The former Inter Milan forward scored 28 Serie A goals in 88 appearances, establishing himself as one of the country’s most effective attackers in the competition.
Simy Nwankwo later surpassed that tally, finishing his Serie A career with 31 goals in 101 appearances. His standout campaign came in 2020/21, when he scored 19 league goals for Crotone despite the club’s relegation.
Victor Osimhen then redefined the record entirely.
The Napoli striker registered 65 Serie A goals in 108 appearances, becoming Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in the Italian top flight.
Adams therefore faces a considerable challenge.
However, every record begins with a first goal.
He has already scored two—before even making his Serie A debut.
The Numbers Nigerian Strikers Left Behind
Nigeria’s leading Serie A scorers include:
Victor Osimhen — 65 goals
Simy Nwankwo — 31 goals
Obafemi Martins — 28 goals
Stephen Makinwa — 16 goals
Victor Obinna — 14 goals
These figures highlight the scale of the task ahead for Adams.
There is, however, a more immediate benchmark within reach.
Before Simy’s 19-goal season, Martins’ 11 goals in the 2004/05 campaign stood as the highest single-season tally by a Nigerian in Serie A. Simy later raised that standard to 19.
That may represent Adams’ first realistic target.
Beyond that lies progression: double figures, then 15, and potentially beyond.
Why Adams Could Be Different
Adams offers an intriguing profile for Venezia.
He combines physical presence and aerial strength with the ability to operate effectively inside the penalty area. His debut against Modena also suggested he can contribute beyond finishing.
His assist for Yeboah demonstrated creative awareness, while his two goals underlined the clinical edge Venezia will rely on from their leading striker.
Such versatility could prove valuable in Serie A, where forwards are often required to operate against disciplined defensive structures and experienced centre-backs.
Early indications are promising.
However, the true test will come with the demands of weekly Serie A competition.
From Debut Impact to Serie A Consistency
There is always a risk of overinterpretation following a standout cup performance.
Adams will be aware of that reality.
One exceptional performance can announce a striker; sustained consistency defines him.
For now, though, the Nigerian has given Venezia supporters exactly what they hoped for: goals, energy, and a glimpse of his potential.
A broader narrative is also emerging.
His progress in Italy will inevitably be measured against the standards set by Martins, Simy, and particularly Osimhen.
The record remains distant.
But after a debut featuring two goals, an assist, and a decisive role in a 3–2 comeback victory, Akor Adams has made an early and convincing statement.
Serie A now has another Nigerian striker to follow closely.
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