INSIGHT: Empowering Earth Observation Through Mobile Tech in Africa

July 11, 2024

INSIGHT: Empowering Earth Observation Through Mobile Tech in Africa

The penetration of 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies in Africa presents a dynamic landscape with significant growth and challenges. Mobile applications are poised to significantly contribute to making Earth observation data accessible to a broader range of end-users, thus democratizing its usage. These applications play a crucial role in reaching the "last mile" and addressing one of the main bottlenecks in serving the continent development

Penetration of 4G and Impact

The growth of 4G is driven by its ability to provide faster and more reliable internet services, essential for various applications ranging from communication to e-commerce and education. Countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt have a substantial number of mobile subscriptions, indicating a robust market for mobile internet services. 4G is particularly important for supporting services based on Earth observation data, enabling quick and efficient access to crucial information for end-users.

Breakthroughs in 5G

More recently introduced, 5G technology is making inroads in several African markets. Countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Ethiopia, Togo, and Zimbabwe have already launched 5G services. Its adoption is expected to accelerate digital transformation, especially in business hubs where fast and reliable connectivity is essential.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the rapid increase in mobile subscriptions in Africa, major challenges remain. Among them:

Relatively low average revenue per user (ARPU): This factor impacts the investment required for advanced infrastructure.
Geographical and terrain diversity: Africa's vast and diverse terrain poses logistical challenges for ensuring widespread coverage.
High mobile data costs.
Digital literacy gap.

Infrastructure

To overcome some of these challenges, telecommunication satellite connection solutions are being explored. Satellite miniaturization would make them more affordable for many African states, and direct reception by mobile phones would reduce the need for terrestrial infrastructure.

Mobile Applications and Earth Observation

The growth of the mobile applications market in Africa is phenomenal, driving demand upwards. In 2021, there were approximately 495 million unique mobile subscribers in Sub-Saharan Africa, expected to reach 615 million by 2025. This increase is fueled by a young population eager for technology and the ongoing expansion of 4G and 5G networks.

The deployment of mobile applications in Africa is a key driver of digital transformation on the continent. These applications offer innovative solutions to local challenges in various sectors, contributing to socio-economic development and digital inclusion. As mobile technology penetration continues to grow, so does the potential of mobile applications to improve the quality of life in Africa.

The use of Earth observation data in mobile applications is still relatively limited but growing. Since 2017, the GMES and Africa program has been exploring this avenue, with some program beneficiaries offering mobile applications. Examples include applications that help fishers locate fishing zones, calculate the required fishing effort, and navigate safely; manage terrestrial wetlands; and detect marine pollution from oil spills.

Perspectives

Improving Africa's connectivity is essential to stimulate socio-economic development and digital inclusion on the continent. It is expected that mobile subscriptions will reach or exceed one billion within 5 to 10 years, driven by growing demand for mobile internet and the gradual deployment of networks. However, a robust, adapted, and affordable mobile application offering will support this demand in a "win-win" approach.

Conclusion

Improving connectivity through 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies is key for Africa's development. These technologies will help democratize access to Earth observation data, thus stimulating innovation and sustainable development across the continent and enhancing user services (notably those based on Earth observation). By overcoming current challenges, Africa will be able to fully benefit from the advantages of the digital revolution.

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GMES, and Africa