Christo Wessels
Mobile connectivity has transformed Africa over the past 20 years, catalysing socioeconomic progress throughout the continent and changing how people learn, work, and connect with one another. Increases in connectivity are linked with better economic and educational opportunities, better service delivery and enhanced rural development.
Stats from the World Bank show that introduction of 3G mobile broadband coverage was linked to a 10% reduction in extreme poverty in Senegal and a 4.3% reduction in Nigeria. Furthermore, a 10% increase in broadband penetration increases GDP by 0.25% to 1.4%, showing that digitalisation has a direct economic impact.
Now, with operators through Africa making substantial investments in 5G, the next wave of innovation and inclusion has arrived. 5G promises to compound the impact of mobile broadband across sub–Saharan Africa by allowing more people to access fast internet services that compare favourably to fixed line access.
For everyday end-users, 5G delivers an enormous improvement in their experience with applications such as video streaming, large file downloads, online gaming and video chat. It opens the possibility of bringing high-speed, low latency connectivity to corners of the continent that can’t be efficiently served by fixed-line infrastructure.
But as importantly, the investment in 5G infrastructure will prepare Africa for the next generation of digital platforms and services. This will enable Africa to keep up with and even potentially lead the way in adoption of emerging applications such as the Internet of Things, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), and advanced robotics.
Making 5G affordable to all
With network operators ramping up their rollout of 5G infrastructure and services, device affordability will be one of the most important elements in driving widespread adoption. The benefits of 5G will only be fully realised when more people can afford handsets that support the network standard.
After all, Africa remains a mobile-first market where the smartphone is the tool that most people use to connect to the internet. Affordable mobile phones have become the entry point to digital education, health services, financial tools, and job opportunities for numerous Africans.
This is where chipset innovation plays a key role. The chipset is the engine of the smartphone, determining how efficiently it runs, how well it connects, and how long it lasts on a single charge. As the latest technology advances cascade from high-end phones to more affordable devices, chipsets bring innovations like 5G to the mass market.
A legacy of accessible innovation
At MediaTek, we have focused on making the latest mobile experiences more inclusive. The MediaTek Dimensity range is a family of 5G smartphone chipsets covering every segment of the market, from flagship (MediaTek Dimensity 9000 series) and premium (MediaTek Dimensity 8000 series) to mainstream (MediaTek Dimensity 7000 series) and entry (MediaTek Dimensity 6000 series).
The MediaTek Dimensity 6000 series, for example, delivers reliable 5G performance without a premium price tag. Our MediaTek Dimensity 6300 platform powers some of the most popular entry-level 5G smartphones on the market, including the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and Infinix Hot 50 5G.
The MediaTek Dimensity 6400 builds on this legacy, enhancing our platform with the latest 5G connectivity features and making them accessible to more people around the world. In addition to empowering mainstream smartphones with 5G performance, the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 offers a wealth of features to budget-conscious consumers.
The MediaTek Dimensity 6400 incorporates a 3GPP Release-16 compliant 5G modem, featuring the latest connectivity enhancements adopted by global cellular operators. It includes support for large cameras sensors and impressive true colour AMOLED displays, and smooth gaming experiences with MediaTek HyperEngine.
Powered by an octa-core CPU and built on TSMC’s 6nm process, the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 is designed to be fast and responsive as well as power-efficient. These technical upgrades enable consumers to enjoy far richer experiences across streaming, gaming, or virtual learning in a far more affordable device.
Local relevance meets global innovation
According to the November 2024 edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report, 5G subscriptions in sub Saharan Africa are forecasted to rise from 11 million in 2023 to 420 million by the end of the decade, growing at an annual rate of 59% and representing 33% of total subscriptions. Affordable handsets will be a key enabler of this growth.
At MediaTek, we are working closely with leading manufacturers and mobile network operators to ensure that affordable smartphones reach the market. Our OEM and operator relationships are key to ensuring that devices are optimised for local conditions, including network compatibility, power usage, and pricing.
MediaTek chipsets offer premium capabilities at lower price points, ideal for markets like Africa. With chipsets like the MediaTek Dimensity 6400, we want to give more people across the continent the tools to participate in the digital economy. This is just the start of a concerted effort to get 5G in as many hands as possible.
Christo Wessels, MediaTek’s Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa. He writes in his personal capacity.
