Kenya included in plans to phase out 2G/3G mobile connection by 2030

Kenya is set to join 10 other African nations in phasing out 2G and 3G mobile connections by 2030, according to plans revealed by the GSM Association (GSMA). The goal is to accelerate migration to superior 4G and 5G networks across the continent, which aims to connect one billion people by the end of the decade. The GSMA, in partnership with the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA), unveiled the Advancing Digital Connectivity in Africa roadmap during the United Nations General Assembly.

John Giusti, GSMA's Chief Regulatory Officer and President of the GSMA Foundation, highlighted the urgent need to address the digital usage gap in Africa. With 2G and 3G subscriptions continuing to decline as more people seek faster broadband connections, the roadmap aims to make smartphones and services more affordable, equip people with practical skills, and ensure connectivity delivers visible value in people's daily lives.

Kenya's Communications Authority data shows that 2G subscriptions fell from 12.8 million to 9.3 million between 2025 and 2026, a 27.3% decline. Similarly, 3G subscriptions decreased by 39.2% during the same period, from 7.4 million to 4.5 million. In contrast, 4G and 5G subscriptions have grown significantly, with 4G subscribers increasing from 37.2 million to 48.3 million and 5G subscribers rising from 1.2 million to 2.1 million.

The roadmap's targets cover Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa. It aims to help Africa close the internet usage gap, estimated at 906 million people, representing 60% of the population. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Co-Chair of PDAA, emphasized that the ambitious goal can be achieved through a combination of connectivity, electrification, affordable devices, and digital skills, along with public-private partnerships.