The acceleration of digital transformation in Africa is accompanied by the emergence of new, bandwidth-intensive modes of digital consumption. Authorities and operators are relying on the latest generation of technologies to meet this growing demand.

Rwandan authorities are preparing for the gradual phasing out of 2G and 3G mobile phone technologies. The initiative aims to accelerate the development and adoption of broadband in Rwanda, in line with the ongoing digital transformation.

On Thursday, March 26, Paula Ingabire (pictured, right), Minister of ICT and Innovation, met with device importers and private sector stakeholders. The objective was to discuss the practical aspects of this transition in an inclusive manner and to consider ways to facilitate access for all Rwandans to devices compatible with 4G and 5G technologies.

Today, Minister @MusoniPaula met with device importers to discuss the next phase of Rwanda’s digital transition, with a particular focus on the gradual phase-out of 2G and 3G devices and the implications for both industry and citizens.

The meeting provided an opportunity to… pic.twitter.com/HbXykEHOA8

— Ministry of ICT and Innovation | Rwanda (@RwandaICT) March 26, 2026

A planned transition within the national strategic framework

The migration to 4G and 5G networks is part of the ICT Strategic Plan 2024–2029, which sets the framework for the country’s digital transformation. In November 2024, the government, in partnership with Germany, launched a call for expressions of interest to conduct a technical assessment of the phase-out of 2G and 3G networks. This study primarily aims to measure the readiness of the infrastructure and the technological ecosystem.

It also involves examining the consequences of a potential failure to transition, such as increased costs associated with maintaining legacy networks, withdrawal of manufacturer support, and security and compliance risks. The study will analyze the impact on coverage, particularly in rural areas, and the ability of 4G and 5G networks to provide high-quality, inclusive, and affordable connectivity.

The assessment also takes into account economic aspects: ARPU evolution, risk of revenue loss for operators, conditions of user migration to new technologies, constraints related to access to 4G and 5G terminals, effects on prices and competition, as well as regulatory and energy efficiency issues.

Rwandan telecom operators are already beginning to prepare for this transition. Airtel Rwanda announced in December 2024 its intention to gradually phase out 3G by the end of 2025, followed by 2G by 2026, aligning itself with global trends and national broadband ambitions. According to Emmanuel Hamez, then CEO of Airtel Africa’s Rwandan subsidiary, this evolution is not only necessary but inevitable, as the operator is establishing a modern network capable of meeting the needs of a connected and digital society.

An inevitable transition in the face of the rise of digital technology

Demand for high-speed connectivity is growing rapidly, and 3G is now too slow for many applications, especially with the increasing number of users and bandwidth requirements. Rwandan authorities consider this transition essential to keep pace with global trends and the rise of data-driven applications, while gradually reducing reliance on traditional voice services.

Rwanda intends to leverage new technologies to bridge the digital divide, improve connectivity across the country, and foster a sustainable and inclusive digital economy. The National Broadband Strategy emphasizes that improved access to broadband can be a powerful driver of productivity, innovation, efficiency, and job creation.

In sub-Saharan Africa, many operators still maintain 2G to serve users without smartphones, provide voice services in underserved areas, and deliver SMS. However, globally, operators are beginning the gradual withdrawal of 3G and early 4G networks to free up spectrum and support the rollout of advanced 4G LTE and 5G.

Furthermore, the World Bank believes that phasing out older wireless networks (2G and 3G) can make telecom investments in Africa more efficient by improving coverage and service quality. It explains that maintaining these networks is an inefficient use of capital expenditure, as their ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) is lower than that generated by 4G or 5G. Shutting down older networks would also free up frequencies for higher-performing technologies capable of delivering faster speeds and better service quality.

Persistent challenges in digital inclusion

Despite the anticipated advantages, the transition to ultra-high-speed broadband raises the issue of digital inclusion. According to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 2G and 3G already covered 98.8% of the population in 2024, a level comparable to that of 4G. While the coverage gap remains limited, it could nevertheless affect certain rural or outlying areas, where the quality and availability of newer networks remain uneven.

Beyond coverage, usage presents another challenge. According to Rwandan authorities, mobile broadband subscriptions represented 54% of the population in 2024, indicating still incomplete adoption. One of the main obstacles remains access to compatible devices. Smartphones, essential for fully utilizing 4G and 5G networks, were owned by only 45% of the population in 2024. Adding to these constraints are the cost of data plans, the level of digital skills, and the relevance of available content.

Furthermore, 2G and 3G continue to play a role in certain professional applications, particularly for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. They remain in use by electronic payment terminals, ATMs, smart meters, and some industrial and transportation equipment. Therefore, the question arises as to the ability of the stakeholders involved to migrate to reliable alternative solutions.

Source: Agence Ecofin