In Africa, the advent of 5G is revolutionizing the telecommunications sector, delivering ultra-fast speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced connectivity. This technology paves the way for new applications in key industries, which Tunisia can now leverage to accelerate its digital transformation.

Orange Tunisia officially launched its 5G network on Friday, offering ultra-high-speed connectivity. This milestone marks a major turning point in Tunisia’s digital development and positions Orange Tunisia at the forefront of innovation in the telecommunications sector. The introduction of 5G addresses the growing demand for connectivity, benefiting both professionals and individuals while supporting the country’s digital transition.

"5G from Orange Tunisia delivers an optimized customer experience with ultra-fast download speeds, minimal latency, and increased connection capacity. With speeds three to four times faster than 4G, 5G meets the rising need for connectivity," the operator stated in a press release.

Apart from this major technological rollout, Orange Tunisia has introduced the MAXBOX 5G, a next-generation WiFi 6 router designed to provide an optimal home experience. With unmatched performance, the MAXBOX 5G includes a Turbo mode, specifically tailored for gaming and streaming enthusiasts, allowing users to fully harness 5G’s capabilities in their daily digital activities.

This initiative is also accompanied by the creation of a “5G Lab”, an innovation hub dedicated to testing 5G applications in key sectors such as Industry 4.0, healthcare, culture, and education. Open to businesses, startups, and academic institutions, this laboratory aims to foster collaborative innovation and explore how 5G can drive Tunisia’s digital transformation.

A Milestone for Tunisia’s Telecom Sector

The launch of 5G is part of a broader digital development strategy. With this deployment, Orange Tunisia becomes the fifth operator within the Orange Group to commercialize 5G in Africa and the Middle East. The network is already operational across 400 sites, covering multiple regions, and will progressively expand to reach all governorates in the country.

This launch aligns with the forecasts of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), which, in its January 30 report titled “5G Readiness and Relevant Use Cases in Africa,” highlights 5G’s potential to transform the continent’s economy. According to the report, applications such as smart agriculture, remote healthcare, and online education could be revolutionized by 5G, significantly improving the quality of life across Africa.

The GSMA, the global association of mobile operators and manufacturers, goes even further, estimating that 5G networks could contribute $26 billion to Africa’s economy by 2030. This projection underscores 5G’s enormous potential to drive growth in key sectors and support economic development across the continent.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji