Tanzania's 5G Rollout Lags in Local Business Applications

Tanzania's 5G technology rollout has begun, but its application in local businesses and industries is still in its infancy. Ericsson Tanzania Country Manager Talib Sheriff stated that while mobile network operators have introduced 5G services, the technology's potential remains untapped in areas like industrial connectivity, automation, and artificial intelligence. He made these remarks during Ericsson's Imagine Live event in Tanzania, which took place on November 11, 2026.

According to Sheriff, 5G offers more than just faster internet speeds; its capacity, bandwidth, and low latency can support industrial operations, automated processes, and emerging AI applications. However, the wider adoption of these technologies depends on market demand and the ability of local innovators to develop solutions suited to Tanzania's needs. The country introduced 5G services in late 2022 and early 2023, following spectrum allocation by the regulator and participation from mobile network operators.

Infrastructure development alone is insufficient to ensure Tanzania benefits from emerging technologies, Sheriff said. He called for greater involvement from the government, universities, and industry players in developing the skills needed to support digital transformation. This includes preparing young people to develop solutions using available technologies, particularly those studying computer science and telecommunications.

Sheriff challenged university students to move beyond theoretical knowledge and explore how emerging technologies can address practical challenges facing the country. He emphasized the need for young people to remain curious and adaptable as technological developments accelerate, with new generations of technology emerging approximately every seven to 10 years. Over 50 university students attended a session during the event to discuss technology trends and emerging opportunities in the telecommunications industry.

The event saw significant interest from young people, with a full room and enthusiastic participation. Sheriff attributed this to the curiosity and interest among students, indicating a bright future for the industry. He also acknowledged the government's role in promoting technology, particularly in making spectrum available to mobile operators, which has helped create an enabling environment for telecommunications infrastructure expansion.

Continued support from the government for universities and the business community is necessary to ensure the country develops the skills and innovations required to benefit from 5G technology. Sheriff emphasized that it's an ecosystem, and no single player can drive this change alone. Universities and other institutions have a crucial role in preparing young people to develop solutions using available technologies.

Ericsson operates mainly as a business-to-business company, working with mobile network operators rather than dealing directly with individual subscribers. As Tanzania's 5G rollout continues, the focus shifts to developing local applications and innovations that can harness the technology's potential. The country's progress in this area will depend on collaboration between the government, industry players, and educational institutions.

Key points

• Tanzania's 5G infrastructure development needs to be complemented by digital skills development and local innovation to translate into practical business applications.
• Ericsson Tanzania Country Manager Talib Sheriff emphasized the need for collaboration between the government, universities, and industry players to support digital transformation.
• The country's 5G rollout is at an early stage, with significant potential for growth in areas like industrial connectivity, automation, and artificial intelligence.