Spectrum Policy in Africa

Mobile operators in Africa have less spectrum and pay more per 100 MHz than operators elsewhere. Given that Africa faces some of the world’s largest connectivity deficits, it is critical to release more spectrum and ensure that spectrum pricing, licence conditions, obligations, and renewal frameworks support sustainable investment and efficient spectrum use. Getting this balance right will allow operators to expand coverage, improve QoS, support growing traffic demand, and accelerate digital adoption, while ensuring they can continue investing in the networks needed to drive Africa’s digital development.

This report traces the evolution of spectrum policy in Africa over the past decade. It considers spectrum assignments and pricing, as well as the current state of licensing. Going forward, additional spectrum will be required to support growing traffic demand, improve network quality and enable increased digital adoption. As countries assign new spectrum and renew existing licences, pricing and assignment decisions will play a critical role in determining whether spectrum enables investment and connectivity or increasingly constrains both.