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The upcoming 5G Africa Forum 2020 is expected to explore the economic opportunities of 5G and the readiness of the continent to deploy 5G infrastructure and compete in global supply chains. The forum – organised by MJDvent International Limited, a conference production and management company – will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 15-16.  

5G – the fifth generation of mobile internet connectivity – is the next-generation of mobile communications. 5G connectivity is expected to transform the digital economy – connecting everything to the internet and enhancing service delivery. According to MJDvent, 5G networks are expected to launch across the world by 2020.
 
"5G is expected to play a vital role in digital economies, providing new business opportunities and enhancing the citizen’s life experience," the organiser of the forum said in an article. Experts have said 5G technology presents an opportunity for African countries to leapfrog into the future

The Johannesburg event, tagged "5G Africa Forum 2020: Next Digital Revolution in Africa," will bring together more than 50 leaders in the ICT and telecommunication industry in Africa and beyond to discuss efforts geared towards launching 5G network on the continent. According to MJDvent, the telecommunication industry is a significant contributor to economic activities in Africa.

Speaking on the importance of the forum, the event organiser said, "This has become necessary because in the world we live today, mobile communication is a cardinal tool of economic development, growth and integration, and the mobile industry is a key enabler of productivity across economies and societies."

5G Africa Forum 2020 will look at the progress that has been made till date and the challenges ahead for policymakers and stakeholders. While 5G deployment in Africa represents increased economic opportunity for businesses, education and different facets of life, MJDvent said there are uncertainties surrounding the commercial deployment of 5G in Africa, its affordability and availability to the general public.
 
The article by MJDvent discusses the considerable cost of building a 5G cell site. Reports suggest that a small cell for 5G network can cost between $6.8 million for a small city to $55.5 million for a large city.  

This huge cost may require operators to invest in urban areas, a strategy that would exacerbate the "digital divide" between urban populations and rural populations, noted MJDvent. To mitigate the divide, the article advocates the provision of incentives to operators to reduce the cost  of deploying 5G infrastructure.

"Originally, National Regulation Authorities have granted spectrum licenses to mobile operators, giving them exclusive rights to offer voice and data services. Moving forward, policymakers may want to consider the use of a licensed, unlicensed and shared spectrum to create a balanced spectrum ecosystem," said the event organiser.

Among the confirmed speakers for the event is Ahmad Husseini, Head of Network Solutions, Global Customer Unit MTN and Ericsson. Husseini will address the critical issues and provide possible solutions for the effective commercial launch of 5G in Africa. In partnership with Ericson, MTN has been reportedly testing use cases of 5G technology in South Africa.

Other speakers are Marc Einstein, Chief Analyst, Telecommunications and Digital Service at ITR Corporation; Fisseha Mekuria, Chief Research Scientist at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Belkacem Mouhouche, Project Lead & Chief Standards Engineer at Samsung Electronics; Victor Swanepoel, Head of Field Marketing at Nokia Southern, East and West Africa Regions; among others.