MTN Benin officially rolled out its first 5G network, with services live in parts of Cotonou and Abomey-Calavi.
Why it matters
- 5G promises to accelerate digital transformation in Benin, enhancing sectors like streaming, gaming, IoT, and even smart agriculture and healthcare through teleconsultations.
- The network could improve logistics and support enterprise-level innovations.
What they’re saying
- Bolaji Adeola, senior network manager, MTN Benin: 5G will enable “smart agriculture” and boost access to healthcare.
- Chary Doumbia, business director, MTN Benin: Expansion to Cotonou and nationwide rollout is coming “soon” — though no timeline has been set.
The funding
The 5G network is backed by a XOF65 billion (US$103.8M) syndicated loan from regional financial institutions, including West African Development Bank and Société Générale.
Big picture
MTN Group committed to investing US$215M in Benin’s infrastructure over three years, following successful 5G trials.
As of June 2024, MTN Benin leads the market with 11M subscriptions, including 6.1M active mobile Internet users, per ARCEP data.
Data Across Africa
Source: Developing Telecoms
