Analysis of 5G Business Model Components for Mobile Network Operators in Sub-Saharan Africa

The fierce race among mobile network operators (MNOs) to roll out fifth-generation (5G) networks has intensified. One of the potential markets where 5G deployment has increased tremendously is Sub-Saharan Africa. This is primarily due to rapid economic growth and the new opportunities that 5G networks and the associated technologies are expected to offer through sustainable digital transformation. However, research on 5G has mainly focused on the technical aspects with minimal consideration of the business side. Furthermore, research on business models for emerging 5G networks in the African context has received little attention from the scholarly community. This article explores and analyzes the components of the 5G business model for mobile network operators in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study is timely as MNOs should re-evaluate their existing business models to withstand the economic disruption that 5G networks bring. The study was conducted using a quantitative research method through a statistical analysis approach. Empirical results show that the performance of some business model components directly affects others, while other components are not directly related.