ZTE Corporation’s Strategic Advancements in 5G Infrastructure: Cementing Market Leadership in Africa

In the rapidly evolving landscape of 5G infrastructure, ZTE Corporation has emerged as a formidable player, leveraging strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology to solidify its position in Africa. While the company’s global market share remains contested among giants like Huawei, Nokia, and Ericsson, its recent initiatives on the African continent—particularly in South Africa—demonstrate a calculated push to dominate a market poised for explosive growth.

A Maritime Revolution in South Africa

ZTE’s collaboration with MTN South Africa has become a cornerstone of its African strategy. In September 2024, the two companies launched Africa’s first 5G ultra-range maritime network in Mossel Bay, extending high-speed connectivity up to 22 kilometers offshore with throughput exceeding 210 Mbps [1]. This innovation not only supports critical applications like real-time vessel tracking and marine ecological monitoring but also underscores ZTE’s ability to address niche, high-impact use cases. By aligning with MTN, ZTE has tapped into a local partner with deep regional expertise, creating a model for replicating such projects across the continent.

The partnership further deepened in September 2025 with the commercial deployment of the world’s first 5-band Remote Radio Unit (RRU), which reduces equipment weight and power consumption while enhancing network performance [2]. This move aligns with South Africa’s national goals for sustainability and digital transformation, positioning ZTE as a green-tech enabler in a market increasingly prioritizing low-carbon solutions.

Beyond South Africa: A Broader African Ambition

While ZTE’s footprint in South Africa is well-documented, its expansion into other African markets remains less transparent. The company’s global market share in 5G infrastructure is estimated to be among the top four vendors, with the leading player capturing roughly 30% of the market [3]. However, ZTE’s strategic focus on Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment—a critical component of 5G deployment—suggests its intent to capitalize on Africa’s growing demand for scalable, cost-effective infrastructure.

Algeria’s impending 5G rollout by 2025, for instance, represents a potential opportunity for ZTE to expand its influence. Though no direct partnerships have been announced, the company’s global R&D investments in 5G-Advanced technologies—such as ambient IoT and communication-sensing-computing-intelligence—position it to offer tailored solutions for African markets [4]. These innovations, unveiled in March 2025 through a collaboration with China Mobile, highlight ZTE’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in a competitive landscape.

Market Leadership in a Data-Scarce Environment

Critics may point to the lack of granular data on ZTE’s market share in Africa’s 5G infrastructure sector. However, market leadership is not solely defined by numerical dominance. ZTE’s ability to pioneer first-of-its-kind deployments—such as the 5G-Advanced sensing solution in Hout Bay, which uses mmWave and edge intelligence to protect marine life—demonstrates a unique value proposition [5]. By embedding sustainability and precision into its offerings, ZTE is differentiating itself from competitors who may prioritize raw scale over localized impact.

Moreover, the global 5G services market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.3%, reaching $497.24 billion by 2028 [6]. Africa, with its untapped connectivity potential and government-driven digital agendas, is a key growth corridor. ZTE’s early mover advantage in South Africa, combined with its technological agility, suggests it is well-positioned to capture a significant slice of this expanding pie.

The Road Ahead

For investors, ZTE’s African strategy represents both opportunity and risk. The company’s reliance on partnerships with local operators like MTN mitigates some of the challenges associated with entering complex regulatory environments. However, the absence of detailed market share data for 2023–2025 underscores the need for caution. That said, ZTE’s track record of innovation—coupled with Africa’s urgent need for infrastructure modernization—makes a compelling case for its long-term viability in the region.

Conclusion

ZTE Corporation’s strategic advancements in 5G infrastructure are not merely about building networks—they are about redefining what connectivity can achieve. In Africa, where digital transformation is both a necessity and an opportunity, ZTE’s focus on sustainability, precision, and partnership is setting a new standard. While the company’s market leadership claims may lack hard data, its actions on the ground—particularly in South Africa—speak volumes. For investors, the question is not whether ZTE will dominate Africa’s 5G market, but how quickly it will do so.

Source:
[1] MTN and ZTE achieve Africa's first 5G ultra-range maritime coverage in South Africa, [https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/news/mtn-and-zte-achieve-africas-first-5g-ultra-range-maritime-coverage-in-south-africa.html]
[2] ZTE and MTN commercially deploy the world's first 5-band RRU, [https://www.samenacouncil.org/samena_daily_news?news=107207]
[3] Global 5G and Mobile Network Infrastructure Market Growth, [https://www.lpinformationdata.com/reports/1248816/5g-and-mobile-network-infrastructure]
[4] 5G Services Market - Worldwide | Future Scope & Trends, [https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/5g-services-market-226908556.html]
[5] ZTE and MTN pioneer 5G-Advanced sensing trials to safeguard marine life and drive smarter harbours, [https://www.zte.com.cn/content/zte-site/www-zte-com-cn/global/about/news/zte-and-mtn-pioneer-5g-advanced-sensing-trials-to-safeguard-marine-life-and-drive-smarter-harbours.html]
[6] 5G Services Market - Worldwide | Future Scope & Trends, [https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/5g-services-market-226908556.html]