Africa – Continent’s Phone Usage to Hit One Billion By 2016

Africa might become the second largest mobile phone market by 2016 as the continent’s user numbers continue to grow, according to Informa Telecoms, a research analyst agency.

The firm’s research findings released last week, indicate that mobile phone activations on the continent, which currently stand at 616 million, is expected to grow by more than 60 per cent over the next five years, projecting the continent as the world’s second largest telecom market behind Asia-Pacific.

Mr Matthew Reed, the firms head of mobile research for the Middle East and Africa, said “Africa’s mobile market is heading towards a major landmark,” adding, “projections are showing massive growth.”

The research showed that the development of the region’s “relatively immature telecoms market” – attributed to increased competition and lower costs -combined with the continued growth of Africa’s population are the primary reasons for its growth predictions.

The use of 3G is also tipped to rise at a strong rate from 6.6 per cent to 46 per cent by the end-2016.