5G launched in Liberia

Orange Liberia became the first telecom operator in the country to roll out a mobile 5G network last week, marking a significant step in the continent's digital development.

Africa's digital divide

According to the International Telecommunication Union, around 70% of Africa’s population has not yet used the Internet, emphasizing the need for better connectivity and infrastructure.

5G's potential benefits

Orange Liberia stated that 5G offers faster data speeds and lower latency than previous generations, opening up new opportunities in areas like streaming, gaming, remote work, and professional tools.

Existing mobile coverage in Liberia

In 2025, 2G and 3G networks covered 98% and 94% of Liberia’s population, respectively, while 4G reached 93% of the population, and 54.8% of people used mobile services.

Challenges to 5G expansion

Despite progress, 5G coverage is limited, and Orange Liberia has not yet disclosed the areas it will serve or the full scope of its deployment, raising concerns about uneven access across regions.

High costs of 5G rollout

Ericsson’s 2023 report estimated that initial 5G deployment in a single African country could cost between 3 and 8 billion dollars, with extra investment needed to ensure nationwide coverage.

Affordability and adoption

The success of 5G will depend on factors like the cost of compatible phones and data plans, as well as the availability of local content and digital skills among users.