The Coveted African Cellular Market
One look at the statistics is enough to tell you just how much money there is to be made in the African cellular market which is largely untapped:
- Global Mobile Users – 2 Billion
- African Mobile Users – 83 Million (4%)
- Expected 2006 Growth in Africa – 48 Million new subscribers
(2006 Stats)
AFRICA and the Middle East are the two big new markets being targeted by the world’s cellular operators. Both are largely untapped, so cellular operators are prepared to pay over the odds for a foothold. This was evident in MTN’s past decision to pay a staggering $5,5bn to buy pan-African and Middle East player Investcom, while Celtel bid $1bn bid for a majority stake in Nigeria’s V-Mobile – Business Day (SA).
The race is definitely on.
UPDATE: 10/26/2006
Nigeria, with 140-million people, is the one country where growth appears almost limitless. Nigeria will surpass SA as Africa’s largest cellular market by next year with 43-million users, compared with an expected 39-million in SA. Even then only 32% of Nigerians would have a cell phone… – Business Day (SA).
