Telecom
Mobile Subscribers in Africa Surpasses Half a Billion – GSMA

More than half a billion people across Africa are now subscribed to mobile services as the continent continues to migrate rapidly to mobile broadband networks, reveals a new GSMA study.
‘The Mobile Economy: Africa 2016’ was published yesterday at the GSMA Mobile 360 – Africa event being held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 26 – 28 July.
The report also highlights the increasing contribution of Africa’s mobile industry to the regional economy, including employment and public funding, and mobile’s role as a platform for digital and financial inclusion.
“More than half a billion people across Africa are now subscribed to a mobile network, providing them not just with connectivity but a gateway to a range of other essential services in areas such as digital identity, healthcare and financial services,” said Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA.
“The rapid move to mobile broadband networks is also unlocking new opportunities for consumers, businesses and governments, growing an ecosystem that last year added more than $150 billion in value to Africa’s economy.”
Network Investments and Smartphones Driving Mobile Broadband Adoption
The report finds that there were 557 million unique mobile subscribers1 across Africa at the end of 2015, equivalent to 46 per cent of the continent’s population, making Africa the second-largest – but least penetrated – mobile market in the world. Africa’s three largest markets – Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa – together accounted for around a third of the total subscriber base. The number of unique mobile subscribers is forecast to reach 725 million by 2020, accounting for 54 per cent of the expected population by this point.
African mobile subscribers are rapidly migrating to mobile broadband networks and services, a result of ongoing network rollouts and the increasing availability of affordable mobile broadband devices and tariffs. Mobile broadband (3G/4G) accounted for just over a quarter of total connections2 at the end of 2015, but is expected to account for almost two-thirds by 2020. By mid-2016, there were 72 live 4G networks in 32 countries across Africa, half of which have launched in the last two years. Meanwhile, the number of smartphone connections3 in Africa is forecast to more than triple over the next five years, rising from 226 million in 2015 to 720 million by 2020.
Mobile’s Contribution to African GDP, Jobs and Public Funding to Increase
The use of mobile technologies and services across Africa generated $153 billion in economic value last year, equivalent to 6.7 per cent of the region’s GDP4. This contribution is expected to increase to $214 billion by 2020 (7.6 per cent of expected GDP) as countries in Africa continue to benefit from the improvements in productivity and efficiency brought about by increased take-up of mobile services. Africa’s mobile ecosystem also supported 3.8 million jobs in 2015 and made a $17 billion contribution to the public sector via general taxation. The number of jobs supported is forecast to rise to 4.5 million by 2020, while the tax contribution is expected to increase to $20.5 billion.
The report also explains how mobile is powering innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa. It notes that there are now approximately 310 active tech hubs across the region, including 180 accelerators or incubators. Mobile operators are supporting this ecosystem by opening up APIs to third-party developers in areas such as messaging, billing, location and mobile money, which has allowed start-ups to scale quickly.
Mobile technology is also playing a central role in addressing many of the social challenges in Africa, including the ability to provide citizens with official identities, tackling the ‘digital divide’ by enabling access to the mobile internet, and delivering financial inclusion via mobile money services. The number of mobile subscribers in Africa that access the mobile internet has tripled in the last five years, reaching 300 million by 2015, equivalent to a quarter of the African population. An additional 250 million subscribers are expected to become mobile internet users by 2020, bringing the total to 550 million (41 per cent of expected population).
“The positive transformational impact of mobile is being felt more profoundly in Africa than anywhere else in the world; Africa’s mobile industry is at the forefront of helping to deliver the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals5,” added Granryd. “We are focused on creating a better future for citizens and businesses across Africa, providing access to essential information and services, improved employment and economic opportunities, and greater productivity and competitiveness.”
Telecom
NCC Blames Growing Data Demand Network Quality Issues

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has linked Quality of Service (QoS) challenges across telecom networks to rising data consumption, stating that operators are ramping up efforts to sustain investments to improve coverage and capacity.

Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC,
Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, stated this during a breakfast meeting with the media in Abuja on Friday, where he noted that while service quality is improving, it is yet to meet regulatory expectations.
He said recent data shows positive signals from independent user-based measurements, indicating that network performance is getting better rather than deteriorating.
However, he explained that increased usage is offsetting gains, creating a cycle where improved services trigger higher demand, which in turn puts fresh pressure on infrastructure.
“We’re still not where we want to be, but are we satisfied as a regulator? I would say within the context for which we operate, I think the area of satisfaction is the fact that we’re beginning to see the right signals. But at the same time, we also see a rise in consumption. So it’s like a cycle. As they’re making investments and making upgrades, people are consuming more,” he said.
Maida disclosed that data consumption has risen by about 170 per cent in the last two years, describing the surge as a major factor behind network strain.
The EVC added that operators are responding with increased investments, with site upgrades expected to rise significantly this year to expand both coverage and capacity.
He also highlighted regulatory efforts to improve industry sustainability, including ongoing policy reviews, cybersecurity framework implementation, and collaboration with security agencies to protect telecom infrastructure.
Telecom
How Nigerians Are Secretly Using AI to Master Creative Skills Fast

Google has revealed new insights showing that Nigerians are increasingly leveraging Search and artificial intelligence tools to develop creative skills and explore artistic pursuits in 2026.

Google AI
According to the latest trends for March, there is a growing shift toward using technology as a practical assistant for personal growth, learning and creative expression across the country.
Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a creative powerhouse continues to shape this trend. From the global dominance of Afrobeats to the rise of Nollywood—now ranked as the fifth-largest film industry globally—the country’s cultural influence remains strong. Industry data shows Nollywood’s value is approaching $8 billion, with over 70 per cent of viewership for Nigerian-produced content coming from international audiences. Similarly, Afrobeats continues its global surge, recording more than 13 billion streams annually on platforms like Spotify.
Google’s data indicates that Nigerians are deliberately using digital tools to sharpen their creative abilities. Interest in learning painting has surged by 90 per cent over the past year, while calligraphy has emerged as a breakout trend, reflecting new forms of artistic exploration.
Music-related learning is also on the rise, with searches for guitar lessons increasing by 80 per cent. At the same time, users are exploring emerging AI-powered tools such as Lyria 3, highlighting a blend of creativity and advanced technology.
Beyond the arts, Nigerians are turning to digital tools to broaden global connections. Interest in learning Italian has jumped by 130 per cent, while searches for Japanese language learning have doubled within the past year.
This growing appetite for digital learning is supported by Nigeria’s expanding tech-driven economy. Research by Public First suggests that every dollar invested in digital technology generates more than eight dollars in economic value. The ICT sector has also emerged as a key contributor, accounting for over 16 per cent of the country’s real GDP.
Students and families are equally tapping into AI-powered tools for education. Searches for AI tutors have become a breakout trend, while interest in combining AI with subjects like chemistry has doubled over the past year. Homework-related searches have also risen by 70 per cent.
These developments are being bolstered by improved digital infrastructure, including projects such as the Equiano subsea cable, which significantly increases internet capacity and connectivity across the region.
Commenting on the trend, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade said it is encouraging to see Nigerians using AI creatively to unlock new opportunities.
He noted that the rise in creative arts and language learning reflects a population actively shaping its future with technology, using AI tools as “24/7 tutors” to build skills and connect globally.
Google added that tools such as Search and Workspace are already delivering measurable productivity gains, with Nigerian knowledge workers saving over 22 million hours weekly—equivalent to an estimated $4.7 billion boost in productivity.
The surge in AI literacy, which has grown by 840 per cent, further underscores a broader shift as Nigerians increasingly integrate technology into their creative, academic and professional lives.
Telecom
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Lands on Konga, Blending Innovation with Accessibility

Samsung Galaxy S26 series has made a confident statement of intent; a flagship lineup that blends refined design, intelligent performance, and forward-looking innovation into one cohesive experience. Nigerian consumers looking to get their hands on these devices can now shop directly on Konga or visit any Konga retail center nationwide.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series
The Samsung Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra have generated significant global attention, and Nigeria is no exception. This series represents a quantum leap in mobile technology, delivering features that aren’t just incremental improvements; they fundamentally transform how we interact with our smartphones.
Perhaps the most talked-about feature is the revolutionary Privacy Display technology. Samsung has engineered a solution for the modern, mobile professional who needs to work in public spaces without compromise. Using advanced light-control technology, the S26 narrows the viewing angle, making screen content visible only to the person directly in front of the device. Whether you’re reviewing sensitive documents or personal messages, you can interact with your device with complete confidence.
Equally compelling is the Steady Horizon Lock, an advanced camera stabilization system that elevates mobile photography to a professional level. This intelligent system uses gyroscopic sensors and AI-powered algorithms to keep your display perfectly level, regardless of how you hold the device. Whether you are capturing high-speed motion or recording content on the move, the S26 ensures smooth, professional-grade output that reviewers worldwide have called a total game-changer for mobile videography.
The Galaxy S26 series also takes AI integration to unprecedented heights. These devices feature deeply embedded AI that learns your specific usage patterns, anticipates your needs, and optimizes performance in real-time. From intelligent battery management that extends your usage based on your daily routine, to predictive text that understands context with remarkable accuracy, the S26 series doesn’t just respond to your commands, it anticipates them. This positions the device as more than just a smartphone; it’s a personal digital assistant tailored to your lifestyle.
Beyond the hardware, Samsung has prioritized device protection through Samsung Care+ (SC+). Offering comprehensive protection for your investment, SC+ provides significant peace of mind for premium owners. To take full advantage of this, customers are encouraged to register their devices within 30 days of purchase to benefit from substantial discounts on screen repairs for the first 12 months.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series delivers a compelling blend of innovation, performance, and user-centric features. With its availability on Konga.com, Nigerian consumers have access to cutting-edge technology through a trusted and convenient purchasing channel.
As the market continues to evolve, this collaboration highlights the importance of authenticity and experience in shaping the future of tech in Nigeria.
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