(Ecofin Agency) - As the global market becomes more connected, having access to world-class internet speeds allows African SMEs to compete on an international scale. From better supply chain management to seamless communication with global partners, this is a step toward integrating into the digital economy.

Safaricom has introduced revamped 5G for Business plans aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promising faster and more reliable connectivity to support their digital transformation journeys. The announcement was made during the Grow with Safaricom Business event held on November 29 in Western Kenya, which is part of the ongoing Sambaza Furaha na Safaricom Caravan. The platform seeks to equip SMEs with tools and insights to leverage technology for growth and efficiency.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa highlighted that the new service ensures SMEs can access enterprise-grade internet performance without stretching their budgets, empowering them to enhance productivity, improve customer interactions, and scale operations efficiently in today’s increasingly connected marketplace.

The upgraded 5G for Business service offers speeds five times higher than previous offerings, aiming to improve connectivity, customer experience, and overall business operations.

To celebrate the launch, Safaricom announced a promotional offer running from November 29 to December 31, 2024, during which businesses signing up for the service will enjoy a 25% discount on all 5G plans.

According to GSMA Intelligence forecasts, 5G is expected to contribute $26 billion to Africa's GDP by 2030. This significant contribution testifies to 5G's potential to boost the continent's economic growth. The economic impact of 5G will be felt in several key sectors, including retail by enabling an improved in-store customer experience, optimized inventory management, and the development of new omnichannel services.

The manufacturing industry could also benefit through the automation of production processes, improved equipment monitoring, and the development of new augmented and virtual reality applications for training and maintenance. For agriculture, 5G can help connect farms, monitor crops and livestock in real-time, and optimize resource use while bringing operational efficiency. Finally, in the services sector, including healthcare and education, 5G could improve access to remote care, develop immersive learning programs, and create new digital services, GSMA reveals.

Hikmatu Bilali

Editing by Sèna de Sodji