5G’s African Revolution: A New Era of Economic Domination or Disaster?
Todd Ashton, Ericsson’s Vice President and Head of South and East Africa, claims that 5G’s integration with AI and other advanced technologies will transform the economies of Africa, driving sustainable growth and development across the continent. But is this just a thinly veiled attempt to further entrench the power of corporate interests at the expense of the masses?
Ashton points to the Ericsson Mobility Report, which predicts that 5G will hold the second-largest share of subscriptions in the sub-Saharan African region by 2029. But what does this really mean for the average African citizen? Will they benefit from faster internet speeds and more advanced mobile services, or will they simply be forced to pay more for the privilege of accessing the same limited resources as before?
The report also highlights the growth of fintech services, such as mobile money transactions, which Ashton claims will "cater to the high mobile penetration and unbanked population." But what about the risks of financial exclusion and exploitation that come with these services? And what about the lack of transparency and accountability in the way these services are operated?
Ashton also touts the benefits of 5G in manufacturing and agriculture, claiming that it will "revolutionise many economic sectors by enhancing efficiency, productivity and innovation." But what about the potential for job displacement and the exacerbation of existing social and economic inequalities? And what about the environmental impact of these technologies, which are often powered by fossil fuels and contribute to climate change?
The truth is that 5G is not a panacea for Africa’s economic woes. It is just another tool in the arsenal of corporate power, designed to further entrench the interests of the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the many. Ashton’s rhetoric about "transforming economies" and "driving sustainable growth" is just a euphemism for the continued exploitation and domination of Africa’s resources and people.
So, will 5G bring about a new era of economic prosperity for Africa, or will it simply be another example of the continent’s ongoing marginalization and exploitation? The answer lies in the hands of the people, who must demand greater transparency, accountability, and social justice in the way that these technologies are developed and implemented.
