Mozambique has joined a growing list of African countries deploying 5G networks after awarding spectrum licences for the rollout of 5G services and the expansion of 4G networks to its three mobile operators.
The licences were issued by the telecommunications regulator, the National Institute of Communications of Mozambique (INCM), to Tmcel, Vodacom Mozambique and Movitel.
Vodacom Mozambique led the market with approximately 52% of mobile subscriptions in 2025, followed by Movitel with around 32% and state-owned Tmcel with about 16%, according to telecom industry association GSMA.
The awarding of the licences comes as the GSMA's Mobile Economy Africa 2026 report projects that 5G adoption in Africa will reach 21% of total mobile connections by 2030.
This equates to 383 million 5G connections across the continent by 2030, driven by accelerating rollouts in leading markets and supported by the expansion of 4G, the report says.
Bids for 5G spectrum in the 700MHz, 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz bands were opened publicly on 17 April by the regulator.
At the time, the regulator said the frequency bands were chosen to ensure a balance between coverage, capacity and service quality.
Following the licence awards, INCM said the initial phase of the 5G rollout will focus on provincial capitals, major urban centres, industrial zones and other economic hubs.
Coverage will also extend to tourist destinations, national parks and areas considered strategically important for economic activity.
The move forms part of the government's efforts to strengthen telecommunications infrastructure and support the growth of the digital economy.
The country has until now relied primarily on 3G and 4G services, making the new spectrum awards a significant upgrade to network capacity and data speeds.
INCM chairperson Helena Fernandes said radio frequency spectrum was a strategic national resource whose allocation carried specific development obligations.
"Radio frequency spectrum is a scarce and strategic resource for national development," said Fernandes, adding that operators would be required to meet commitments on network coverage, service quality, infrastructure expansion and digital inclusion.
Fernandes said operators had also committed to expanding 4G services to accelerate broadband access and narrow connectivity gaps between urban and rural communities.
"We expect that, in the coming years, the expansion process will continue through the extension of coverage to development corridors, border areas, rural zones and locations of strategic importance," she said.
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