Africa: a fast mobile growth market

Africa: a fast mobile growth market

Portio Research forecasts that Africa could see significant growth in mobile subscribers in the next five years. The subscriber base could grow to 378m in 2011, from current 114m, with a CAGR of 22%, one of the highest in the world. With a majority of low-income population, pre-paid subscriptions are well adapted and currently account for 95% of all mobile subscribers. With gradual liberalization of the African telecom markets, increased competition, and the structure of the African societies (many ethnic, languages, or religious groups), there should be numerous MVNO opportunities, as indicated by the move of Virgin Mobile in S. Africa, as well as a strong future for SMS-based services.