As the digital landscape evolves, the integration of 5G technology and cellular Internet of Things (IoT) is shaping the future of connectivity. This powerful synergy is not merely an incremental upgrade; it is a transformative force driving a new era of innovation across industries.
From smart cities and autonomous vehicles (AVs) to industrial automation and remote healthcare, the fusion of 5G and Cellular IoT is unlocking unprecedented opportunities for real-time, scalable, and ultra-reliable connectivity.
According to the GSM Association (GSMA), Africa is expected to reach over 200 million 5G connections by 2030, while the continent boasted 26.1 million cellular IoT connections in 2023. Further forecasts suggest that this number will grow to 35.6 million by 2030, increasing by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%.
Interestingly, Telecom Review Middle East reported that, globally, the cellular IoT market is projected to reach USD 28.7 billion by 2028, climbing from the recorded USD 16.4 billion in 2024, demonstrating the vast potential of the technology. Although infrastructure challenges and affordability issues remain, initiatives like the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy 2020–2030 and public-private partnerships are accelerating 5G and cellular IoT adoption across the continent.
5G: The Catalyst for IoT Growth
5G, the fifth generation of mobile networks, offers three major improvements over its predecessors: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC). These pillars directly support the growth of cellular IoT, enabling billions of devices to be connected simultaneously with faster speeds and reduced latency.
Across Africa, telecom operators are supporting the transition to 5G. Ethio telecom is actively expanding its 5G footprint with recent rollouts in Jimma and a new regional office in Bale Robe. In North Africa, Morocco is preparing for its own 5G leap, with Maroc Telecom and Inwi accelerating deployments through strategic partnerships. Similarly, Egypt is targeting a 2025 launch, banking on 5G to boost both connectivity and foreign investment. Tunisia’s three leading operators—Ooredoo, Orange, and Tunisie Télécom—have joined forces to bring 5G nationwide. Meanwhile, MTN South Africa is fast-tracking its 3G shutdown to pave the way for more efficient 5G infrastructure.
Cellular IoT encompasses devices that use mobile networks to send and receive data. It includes a range of technologies such as NB-IoT (narrowband IoT), LTE-M (long-term evolution for machines), and now, 5G NR (new radio). These standards ensure that devices can remain connected, secure, and efficient, regardless of scale or location.
Enabling a Hyperconnected World
5G’s ability to handle a higher density of connected devices is critical for scaling IoT deployments. In smart cities, for instance, everything from traffic lights and public transport systems to energy grids and waste management can be interconnected through cellular IoT. Real-time data collection and processing improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Cities such as Cape Town are already leveraging telecom-backed solutions to optimize grid operations, while Senegal is transforming its urban transport infrastructure through intelligent systems. Nokia’s IoT services, tailored for smart cities, further exemplify how these technologies are being commercialized to serve the public good.
In manufacturing, also known as Industry 4.0, cellular IoT powered by 5G enables seamless communication between machines, robots, and sensors. The ultra-low latency ensures that production lines operate with precision and minimal downtime. Through 5G and IoT, predictive maintenance can be implemented. This real-time monitoring reduces the risk of unexpected failures and optimizes resource use.
Partnerships such as those between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) illustrate the growing interest in investing in such digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, Sofrecom is enhancing public services by digitizing payments, showing how cellular IoT is also redefining citizen interactions with governments.
Transforming Sectors Across the Board
Healthcare is another sector witnessing a transformation thanks to the convergence of 5G and IoT. Remote patient monitoring devices can transmit data in real time to doctors, enabling faster diagnoses and treatment. Emergency services can also benefit from ultra-reliable communications, facilitating quicker response times and better coordination during critical situations.
Safaricom’s partnership with Kenya’s Health Ministry to digitize healthcare payments, along with Botswana’s integration of 4G LTE and IoT technologies, showcases how telcos are enabling more efficient, connected, and accessible healthcare systems across Africa. Additionally, MTN South Africa has partnered with Quro Medical to provide telemedicine services. Patients can wear biosensors that monitor their vital signs, transmitting data via MTN’s IoT network to healthcare professionals, enabling remote care and reducing hospital visits. Moreover, Vodacom’s subsidiary, Mezzanine, developed the mVacciNation platform, an electronic health record system supporting vaccination coverage.
In the agricultural sector, cellular IoT sensors can monitor soil conditions, moisture levels, and livestock health. This not only increases yields but also supports more sustainable farming practices by reducing waste and conserving resources. Vodacom’s MyFarmWeb platform collects data from IoT sensors across farms, assisting farmers in making informed decisions regarding planting, irrigation, and pest control. Over 6,500 farms across sub-Saharan Africa utilize this platform. Meanwhile, MTN, in partnership with Aotoso Technology, introduced connected collars for cattle in Sudan. These collars, equipped with SIM cards, help farmers monitor their cattle’s health and location, aiding in feeding strategies and theft prevention.
Autonomous vehicles (perhaps the most high-profile sector) require ultra-low latency and fast data exchange to communicate with other vehicles, road infrastructure, and cloud systems. 5G ensures the fast, reliable connectivity needed to support vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, making roads safer and traffic more efficient. While the opportunity is present, autonomous vehicles are not yet widely deployed in Africa.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its promise, the convergence of 5G and cellular IoT poses challenges. Network coverage in rural or hard-to-reach areas remains limited, potentially hindering widespread deployment. Additionally, interoperability and standardization across regions and device manufacturers continue to be barriers.
Security is also a major concern. With billions of devices connected, each one becomes a potential entry point for cyber threats. Network slicing and end-to-end encryption are emerging as important tools to safeguard data and maintain trust.
Furthermore, energy consumption and sustainability are critical considerations. While 5G networks are more energy-efficient per bit transmitted, the sheer scale of IoT connectivity could increase overall power demands. Innovations in low-power chipsets and network optimization are helping address this issue.
Commenting on the convergence of 5G and IoT in an exclusive interview with Telecom Review, Aji Ed, CTO Mobile Networks MEA, Nokia, noted that, “Different types of services have varied requirements in terms of bandwidth, speed, and latency. For example, applications like gaming require high bandwidth and low latency, whereas many IoT services (factory automation, assisted driving etc.) do not necessarily need high bandwidth, but low latency is important.”
The Road Ahead
The synergy between 5G and cellular IoT holds the key to a truly connected future. As infrastructure matures and devices become smarter, the combined impact of these technologies will redefine how businesses operate, how cities function, and how people live and interact with the world around them.
Governments, telecom operators, and technology providers must work together to invest in infrastructure, develop inclusive policies, and ensure secure, reliable access. Only through such collaboration can we fully unlock the transformative potential of 5G and cellular IoT.
