MTN Bénin has made a significant leap in telecommunications by officially launching 5G services on November 22, 2024. This event, held at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, marks an unprecedented technological advancement for the country, paving the way for innovative possibilities for individuals, businesses, and communities.
With 5G, MTN Bénin now offers ultra-fast connectivity, enabling users to download large files or stream high-definition videos in mere seconds. This technology greatly enhances the daily lives of customers, facilitating a more connected and efficient lifestyle. Viviane Sissuh, MTN Bénin's HR Director, emphasized that the launch signifies more than just a technological upgrade, stating, "It represents a new chapter in our commitment to provide our clients and partners with cutting-edge innovative solutions." She noted that 5G opens up infinite possibilities in areas such as the Internet of Things, virtual reality, and digital health.
Beyond personal benefits, 5G is set to revolutionize key sectors of the economy. It enhances the development of artificial intelligence solutions, boosts agriculture through connected tools, and improves public infrastructure management. Additionally, it offers unprecedented opportunities for education, telehealth, and smart cities.
Titilope Fakuande, MTN Bénin’s Director of Technology and Information, highlighted the substantial investments made to bring this technology to fruition, stating, "5G is an innovation that we are making accessible to all Béninois, thanks to our collaboration with Huawei and Ericsson, who leverage their expertise to implement this technology nationwide." She also noted that the compatible 5G router is already available, with 80 sites covered from Cotonou to Calavi, allowing subscribers with compatible devices to start enjoying this technology.
MTN has invested over $8.5 million to deploy 5G in Bénin, with plans to expand the network across the country to ensure accessibility for all Béninois, regardless of their location. This launch aligns with the Beninese government's vision of positioning the country as a regional digital hub, placing Bénin among Africa's leaders in adopting this cutting-edge technology.
Boladji Adéola, Senior Manager of Network Planning & Optimization, acknowledged the contributions of the telecommunications regulator and the Ministry of Digitalization of Bénin to this advancement, stating, "5G brings greater capacity and speeds never seen before in the world of 4G, allowing us to connect with higher speeds and lower latency."