Mauritius, Algeria and South Africa most mature African telecom markets
The development of the fixed-line broadband market in Africa has long been stymied by the lack of fixed-line infrastructure in rural and semi-rural regions, as well as by the poor quality of networks in those urban areas where they are concentrated. As a result, mobile networks provide the principal platform for voice and data connectivity. Depending on the market, between 90% and 98% of all internet connections are via mobile networks and thus governments and regulators alike are concentrating on this platform to deliver on their broadband targets.
Least Developed Telecom Markets:
- Somalia: Somalia has one of the least developed telecom markets in Africa, with a very low mobile penetration rate and limited internet connectivity. The country has been plagued by political instability and conflict, which has hindered the development of its telecom infrastructure.
- Eritrea: Eritrea is another African country with a very limited telecom market. The country has a low mobile penetration rate, and internet connectivity is largely limited to government institutions and a few select businesses.
- Central African Republic: The Central African Republic has one of the least developed telecom markets in Africa, with limited fixed-line and mobile coverage. The country has been plagued by political instability and conflict, which has hindered the development of its telecom infrastructure.
It’s important to note that there are many other African countries with varying levels of telecom market development, and the situation is constantly changing. Additionally, there are many factors that contribute to the development of a country’s telecom market, including political stability, regulatory frameworks, and investment in infrastructure.