Mobile networks in Africa today face a unique set of challenges. While demand for mobile data is growing by 20-30% annually, revenue growth for operators remains largely flat. To bridge this gap and sustain their networks’ growth without simply escalating operational expenses, African service providers need smarter, more efficient solutions. AI presents an opportunity to meet this demand by optimizing networks in real time, maximizing resource use, and significantly enhancing network performance – all while keeping energy consumption in check.
At Ericsson, we have spent over a decade developing AI-driven solutions tailored to the telecom industry. These solutions, embedded within our Intelligent RAN Automation portfolio, are designed to manage complexity and enhance operational efficiency across African networks. A compelling example of this is how AI enables Self-Organizing Networks (SON). By auto-configuring, optimizing, and healing in real time, AI empowers networks to deliver high-quality coverage while adapting dynamically to shifts in user demand. This is crucial for African markets, where rapid population growth and urbanization create constantly shifting connectivity needs.
One of the key innovations we're exploring is Intelligent RAN, where we use AI to transform the radio access network (RAN) and improve resource allocation, power efficiency, and network quality. Through predictive analytics, AI can anticipate network congestion before it affects users, balancing load across cells and proactively preventing service disruptions. This “zero-touch” approach reduces operational costs, enabling operators to improve network performance without the heavy expenses that typically come with manual interventions.
Using AI and embedding intelligence in base stations is crucial for better network economics and performance, especially for regions like Africa where the effectiveness of base stations significantly impacts network costs and capabilities.
Moreover, the positive impact of AI on sustainability is evident. As we work toward reducing carbon emissions across our network operations, AI plays a pivotal role in energy management. For instance, our advanced RAN intelligence allows operators to predict traffic demand and dynamically adjust power consumption, switching off unnecessary network elements during low-use periods. This intelligent energy management reduces power consumption, contributing to Africa’s broader sustainability goals while cutting operational costs for network providers. By leveraging these AI-driven efficiencies, we aim to support our partners in achieving better CO₂ emissions across the network.
AI also enables African operators to address specific local challenges. By deploying 5G-aware traffic management, operators can ensure that users with 5G-capable devices are directed to the best possible connection points, maximizing the user experience and expanding 5G accessibility without additional infrastructure. AI solutions like these not only enhance the quality of service but also support a more inclusive digital ecosystem across the continent.
Looking ahead, the evolution of 5G and the potential of 6G will bring even more sophisticated AI functionalities. The promise of 5G-Advanced will introduce AI-enhanced air interfaces, and as we approach the era of 6G, AI-native architectures will be fundamental to the network. Imagine a network that not only optimizes itself but also anticipates and addresses potential issues before they arise, reducing downtime and creating a seamless experience for users. This vision of a zero-touch network is one where human intervention is minimized, and AI is embedded as a trusted operator, ensuring performance, security, and sustainability at scale.
Our goal in bringing these innovations to Africa is to support not only the operational success of network providers but also the socio-economic development of the continent, falling in line with our #AfricaInMotion initiative. Ensuring that AI-driven technologies reduce disparities and promote equitable access to information and services is key to this approach.
In the end, the future of AI in Africa’s telecom networks is more than just a technological evolution – it is a call to action for responsible innovation.
