On Thursday 18 January 2024, the Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, Ms Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, led a strategic visit to two GSM operators to discuss the experimental results of 5G services. 5G represents an opportunity to accelerate the development of new applications and new e-services, and to meet the population's growing need for real-time bandwidth, as part of the Government's efforts to stimulate the country's digital development.
During the meeting, the GSM operators Moov Africa Bénin and MTN Bénin shared the promising results of 5G technology trials in various settings. Performance in terms of transmission speed, reduced latency and increased capacity was at the heart of the discussions, demonstrating the potential of 5G to transform connectivity in Benin.
The Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation stressed that 5G is not merely a technological evolution but a driver of innovation likely to create significant economic opportunities. She encouraged close collaboration between the Government and the operators in order to fully harness the potential of 5G in developing innovative applications and smart solutions.
It should be noted that the arrival of 5G in Benin will not phase out the 4G and 3G mobile standards, especially since the non-standalone 5G standard relies heavily on 4G and 3G infrastructure to deliver 5G. The rollout of 3G and 4G may continue, particularly in localities that are not covered or are covered only by 2G.
These visits are part of the 5G rollout timetable in Benin. Further meetings will be held to continue monitoring the progress of trials with all operators.