North African 5G speeds drop 38% after 2025 commercial launches

The rapid erosion of initial 5G speed gains highlights the limitations of Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture, which relies on 4G core infrastructure that is currently struggling under increased traffic. For video streamers, this means the '5G promise' of high-bitrate delivery is inconsistent, as congestion frequently forces fallbacks to a degraded 4G layer. The data suggests that without moving toward 5G Standalone (SA) cores or significantly expanding 4G capacity, the user experience for high-bandwidth services like 4K streaming and cloud gaming will remain volatile. Watch for whether Egypt’s new 2026–2030 spectrum strategy, earmarking 350 MHz in the 3.5 GHz band, can reverse its trailing performance metrics.

The performance volatility in North Africa coincides with a massive surge in regional data consumption. Per PwC (October 2025), video content already accounts for over 70% of mobile data usage in established African markets. This demand is increasingly driven by social media video and local OTT services such as EbonyLife ON Plus and La 1Gabonaise, which prioritize mobile-first delivery. As streaming replaces traditional broadcast, the pressure on 5G NSA networks to maintain high-quality video bitrates becomes a critical bottleneck for regional growth. While speed declines are visible, adoption continues to scale. According to GSMA Intelligence (August 2026), Africa is projected to reach nearly 100 million 5G connections by the end of 2026, even though entry-level 5G smartphones remains priced above $100. In Morocco, the ANRT reported active 5G subscribers reached 3.2 million by March 2026, representing 8.4% of all mobile internet users. This rapid onboarding of users explains the 38% speed moderation observed by Ookla as bandwidth is distributed across a larger subscriber base. Regulators are now shifting focus from simple coverage to quality of service. In Tunisia, the INT mandated a minimum 30 Mbps speed for 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), which helped drive FWA subscriptions from under 10,000 at launch to over 319,000 by mid-2026, per African Manager (August 2026). Similarly, Morocco’s coverage obligations require 45% outdoor population coverage by the end of 2026. This regulatory pressure forces operators to balance 5G expansion with the 4G optimization necessary to support the anchored NSA infrastructure.