Under the leadership of Patrick Johansson, the newly appointed President of Ericsson Middle East and Africa, Ericsson is on a mission to build a world where digitalization is transforming the ecosystem, driving sustainable development, and creating opportunities for all.
Telecom Review conducted an exclusive interview with Patrick Johansson, President of Ericsson Middle East and Africa, to learn more about his vision for the company, Ericsson’s journey within the region, the impact of forging strong collaborations, and the gaps the entity is addressing as a leading telecom vendor.
Congratulations on your new leadership role within Ericsson MEA. What strengths and vision will you bring to lead the business in the region?
The MEA region, with its incredible talent and opportunities, has become one of Ericsson's most exciting markets. We have a rich history here that speaks volumes. We have always been at the forefront of driving technological innovation, supporting digital transformation, providing reliable connectivity, and having a positive impact on society. As much as we have accomplished, I believe there is still so much potential out there waiting to be tapped—And that’s what thrills me the most about this new role.
With accelerated digitalization and emerging technologies, we are at an exciting time in our industry as we advance our journey towards programmable, differentiated networks. I believe that our mission to strengthen our leadership in mobile networks, expand into enterprises and drive a culture transformation with ethics and integrity at the heart of every decision will enable us to capture future value for our customers and stakeholders.
My main focus in the short term is to meet our customers and people, listen to their needs and challenges, and align them with the opportunities that lie ahead. If our customers succeed, we will succeed; so, it’s very important that we share joint visions on how to accelerate growth by focusing on key opportunities, executing projects flawlessly and fostering strong collaborations with the ecosystem to spur innovation.
As for my strengths, I have been in this industry long enough to understand that visions are not enough; we have to always be ready for the next big thing. Nobody knows the unknown but it’s our daily actions, our collaboration, and joint mission to drive connectivity and leverage it towards spurring business and opportunities to the world that will make a difference.
I also find it truly motivating to be surrounded by such a passionate and talented team, and I am confident that we will accomplish great things together.
During the first half of the year, Ericsson has been actively collaborating with industry players in the GCC region. How will this impact the company’s footprint and continuous success in the region?
At Ericsson, we are on a mission to build a world where digitalization is transforming the ecosystem, driving sustainable development, and creating opportunities for all. We have been connecting the MEA region for over 100 years and have built wireless networks for every generation—from early 1G networks to advanced 5G networks.
In Saudi Arabia, we demonstrated the world’s first deployment of automated radio resource partitioning (ARRP) on a 5G standalone (5G SA) network slice in partnership with stc. This pioneering advancement improves resource allocation efficiency and user experiences, enabling the communication service provider (CSP) to harness the full benefits of 5G-Advanced capabilities. We also achieved the highest data uplink speed worldwide in terms of 5G New Radio Dual Connectivity (NR-DC) gNB in a live network environment. Together, we are building a ready-to-deploy ICT network for 2030 that will be able to provide connectivity for mega events set to take place in the Kingdom, such as Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
At LEAP 2024, we signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) to boost its 5G network capabilities through customizable application programmable interfaces (APIs). This initiative will leverage our dual-mode 5G Core, enhancing service programmability for enterprises and developers in Saudi Arabia while supporting innovative use cases, like Quality on Demand (QoD).
We also entered another agreement with Mobily to drive network evolution in Saudi Arabia using Open RAN principles with a focus on 5G implementation. This collaboration explores opportunities for flexible network segmentation between purpose-built RAN and Cloud RAN, identifying optimal locations for Cloud RAN deployment to boost network flexibility and efficiency.
Furthermore, we are working on a joint Gaming Research Lab with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in Riyadh. The initiative seeks to foster a culture of innovation, creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship to unlock Saudi Arabia’s technological and economic potential.
Earlier this year, we completed the first 5G trial in Egypt in partnership with Telecom Egypt, covering key spots in the country’s New Administrative Capital. Furthermore, we collaborated with Vodafone Egypt to modernize and expand the capacity of its mobile network by introducing Ericsson’s triple-band radio 4466 which reduces tower load, shortens deployment time, and supports sustainability efforts through lower energy consumption. We also supported Moov Africa Bénin in handling the data flow for around 45,000 attendees at the WeLovEya music festival in the city of Cotonou in Benin. In addition, we joined forced with MTN Uganda to boost financial literacy for women entrepreneurs in Kampala. The initiative aimed to drive financial and gender inclusion and empower African women to reach their full potential.
In the UAE, we secured several new achievements in collaboration with e&. For example, we established a strategic partnership to elevate its 5G capabilities through the modernization of charging systems. The upgrade resulted in a significant enhancement by introducing over 85 new features, including differentiated charging for innovative services, such as Voice over New Radio (VoNR) and Video over New Radio (ViNR), ultimately improving customer experience and operational efficiency.
Together with e& UAE, we also successfully conducted a 5G data call using our Cloud Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture in a lab environment. This was one of the first Ericsson Cloud RAN demonstrations worldwide and the first of its kind in the MEA region.
More recently, the successful implementation of our Reduced Capability (RedCap) software solution on e& UAE’s 5G standalone network—the first in the MEA region and one of the first in the world—marked a significant milestone in Internet of Things (IoT) expansion. This innovative solution allows for the development of a wider array of IoT devices by reducing complexity and enhancing battery life, thus, unlocking new monetization opportunities for various applications.
In line with the UAE’s digital transformation initiatives, we embarked on a partnership with du to provide private 5G networks for the government and enterprise sectors in the country. This collaboration facilitates the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies and smart services, significantly advancing digital capabilities across various sectors.
Together with du, we conducted a trial with 10 aggregated carriers on their 5G standalone network, attaining remarkable download speeds of up to 16.7 Gbps. This landmark achievement showcases the potential for enhanced fixed wireless access (FWA) experiences and opens new avenues for applications in augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) and cloud gaming.
In addition, we formalized a multi-year global patent cross-license agreement with OPPO that includes essential patents for cellular technologies, including 5G. The move fosters collaboration on numerous 5G-related projects, enhancing our joint efforts to develop the UAE’s telecom landscape.
In Oman, we started the year by conducting the full migration of Ooredoo’s prepaid and postpaid subscribers to our consolidated online charging and mediation system, empowering the CSP to provide its customers with a next-level digital experience. We also closed a mobile broadband deal with Omantel to help the CSP expand, transform and modernize its 4G RAN network and pave the way for 5G growth. Our latest project involved upgrading Vodafone Oman’s core and cloud with the aim of preparing the CSP to deploy 5G standalone and 5G services to its consumer and enterprise customers.
Going forward, we will continue to play a crucial role in building networks of the future across the GCC. Driven by the nations’ national visions, digitalization plays a central role in enabling those visions and we are proud to partner with our customers (the CSPs) to realize the full potential of digitalization in the different countries we operate across the GCC and beyond. Our dedication to excellence and proactive engagement positions us as a pivotal driver of transformation in the telecommunications industry and a key contributor to building a connected and sustainable future for all.
The MEA region is one of the most dynamic and technologically advanced areas in the world. How will Ericsson maximize this potential and leverage it for long-term growth?
With its commitment to digital transformation and economic diversification, reflected in ambitious national initiatives, such as We the UAE 2031 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, coupled with the growing broadband internet access in Africa, the MEA region is witnessing increased demand for robust telecommunications infrastructure.
As the region's telecom sector develops, customers expect solutions that not only meet current requirements but also anticipate future needs. Thanks to our early and significant investment in R&D, around 19 percent of Ericsson’s annual global revenue is invested in research and development (R&D), totaling tens of billions of dollars over the past few years. Ericsson has the world’s leading patent portfolio in cellular technology, with more than 60,000 granted patents and over 100 signed licensing agreements. This is a crucial element to enable faster innovation in the market and to continue supporting our customers and the development of societies with the right innovation.
We shall continue to innovate, leveraging AI, automation, and strategic investments to stay competitive while solving our customers’ specific challenges and addressing their evolving expectations. Our primary focus is on enhancing the accessibility and affordability of communication infrastructure while driving sustainable economic growth.
Through our technology and expertise, we are implementing new (and expanding existing) programs to help tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time, including climate change and inequality.
By leveraging a future-oriented mindset and keenness to embrace the latest technologies, I believe that the MEA region is, and will, continue to serve as a key innovation hub for us, our customers, and our partners.
Despite the progress, what are the technology and innovation gaps within the region that Ericsson will continue to address moving forward?
One of the most significant trends in the MEA region is the rapid adoption of technology and innovation across various industries. The technology sector, in particular, has experienced substantial growth, with countries like the GCC and South Africa leading the way. Investments in new technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud and cybersecurity are on the rise, creating a fertile ground for startups and established companies alike.
At the same time, we are currently seeing a widening gap in terms of companies’ digital transformation ambitions and readiness to translate these ambitions into reality, and this is of course driven by many factors be it macroeconomic challenges delaying investments in the sector or lack of ecosystem collaboration to spur innovation. Collaboration is key considering the pace and breadth of change; things are moving fast and on several fronts.
We believe that we can play a role in addressing those gaps. As the MEA region embraces the digital era, digital literacy is crucial, and it will spur innovation. Many in the current workforce require continued efforts to upskill the new generation and build Industry 4.0 expertise. To advance our efforts in this space, we launched our flagship digital education program, Connect To Learn, in 2010. To date, we have provided access to digital learning and skills development programs for 485,000 children and young adults in 43 countries.
Ericsson partnered with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and was the first private sector partner to make a multimillion-dollar commitment to Giga. The Giga initiative—a partnership between UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)—aims to connect every school in the world to the internet by 2030 to help bridge the digital divide. We recently celebrated the closure of the project together with UNICEF in Kenya. In addition, we extended our global skills program to Africa in cooperation with the Smart Africa Digital Academy (SADA) to offer digital upskilling opportunities to 100 policymakers and regulators from 19 countries.
To foster innovation, we recently launched the Flash Forward Hackathon in Saudi Arabia in partnership with stc, Vonage and King Saud University. Empowering young talent to actively participate in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative aims to support the development of digital infrastructure, promote the adoption of advanced technology and drive research and innovation.
In the UAE, we recently kicked off the Excelerate& Program in collaboration with e&, which seeks to develop local tech talent. The initiative provides young Emiratis with exposure to global best practices and cutting-edge technologies, enabling them to master telecom technology, foster a culture of innovation and maximize learning opportunities. This way, we are inspiring a new cohort of leaders to carry on our legacy of excellence. The educational sessions conducted by our experts at Ericsson will culminate in a two-day visit to our headquarters in Stockholm—an invaluable opportunity to experience the epicenter of innovation firsthand.
In Oman, we have joined forces with Vodafone to build digital skills among local youth in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of Oman Vision 2040. We are leveraging the Ericsson Educate online platform to provide young talent with access to learning material on advanced technologies. The self-paced digital skills portal features a wide variety of learning material on key technologies, such as 5G, AI and machine learning (ML), automation, blockchain, cloud computing, data science, IoT and telecommunications.
At the regional level, we introduced the Ericsson Gen-E Graduate Engineer Program, tailored for Market Area Middle East and Africa (MMEA). Gen-E, short for Generation Ericsson, has been designed to hone the technical skills of engineering graduates through comprehensive training on our technology, solutions, and delivery methods, alongside the knowhow of our processes, tools and methodologies.
In your opinion, will 5G/5G-Advanced adoption accelerate in the MEA region? What are the key contributors to achieving a full transition?
Yes, absolutely. According to the latest edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is poised for the most rapid growth in 5G subscriptions with a projected annual increase of 51%. By 2029, 5G is expected to dominate the market with a 50% share of total subscriptions. Meanwhile, 5G subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa are anticipated to exceed 320 million, accounting for 28% percent of all mobile subscriptions by 2029.
This accelerated adoption is a result of expanding network coverage and the availability of more affordable 5G-enabled smartphones. Among other key factors driving this trend are regulatory reforms that encourage investment in the telecom sector and promote competition within the region. In addition, several industry players are already taking steps to apply AI-powered tools across a variety of use cases.
Given the high demand from businesses and consumers, what are the top challenges and opportunities for telcos in the MEA region? How is Ericsson responding to these demands and opportunities?
The main challenges across the region include ensuring seamless 5G integration, providing access to FWA in areas with limited fiber infrastructure, and keeping pace with rapid technological advancements.
In Africa, we are facing a specific set of challenges. The main issue here is the lack of adequate ICT infrastructure, especially in rural areas. This challenge varies across countries due to factors such as income disparities, regulatory environments, geographical size, political instability, and population density. Income disparities affect affordability, while regulatory policies impact investment and competition. Geographical size and distribution of the population can make infrastructure deployment difficult. Political instability and governance play a crucial role, as do digital literacy and education. Economic development influences resource allocation. Addressing these challenges through infrastructure development, regulatory reforms and digital literacy programs is crucial for improving connectivity rates across the continent.
Another challenge is intermittent power supply, which, once again, is the most prominent in rural areas. At Ericsson, we firmly believe that embracing the latest 5G technology is pivotal in curbing energy costs and breaking the energy curve. To initiate this process, we place high focus on modernizing hardware. The latest equipment can yield remarkable benefits, including a ten-fold improvement in capacity and more than 30% in energy savings. Additionally, implementing 5G's energy-saving software can bring considerable gains.
We are actively engaged in the development of intelligent RAN, energy-saving software features. These innovations enable operators to achieve marked reductions in energy consumption while optimizing network performance. Through efficient monitoring and AI-supported tracking, we have identified areas for optimization, which can result in up to 12% annual reduction in RAN energy use.
Given the increasing demand for 5G capabilities, we have seen a significant opportunity arising from the similarity in the air interface shared by 4G and 5G technologies. This similarity allows for a more efficient repurposing of spectrum compared to other technologies. We are currently focusing on assisting CSPs in reusing their 4G spectrum for 5G deployments through the Ericsson Spectrum Sharing (ESS) solution.
While all eyes are on 5G at the moment, 6G is already waiting in the wings. We are conducting intensive research into 6G networks in partnership with the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.
One facet that presents a challenge as well as an opportunity is addressing the escalating capacity requirements of mobile networks in many markets that come with the exponential growth of mobile data consumption. Long-haul microwave links are ideal for high capacities at longer distances and fit well with the need to connect rural areas.
Ericsson is committed to pioneering a connected and sustainable world. What role does 5G play in advancing the company and the MEA region’s sustainability goals?
At Ericsson, we believe that ICT can empower other industries to move towards the low-carbon economy. According to Ericsson research, the sector has the potential to reduce total industrial emissions worldwide by up to 15%, even though it is responsible for only 1.4% of the global carbon footprint.
In this context, 5G technology has become a critical enabler of sustainability across industries. With their energy-efficient design, 5G networks optimize infrastructure, reduce operational costs and lower carbon emissions for telecom operators. We continue to work closely with stc, e&, and Zain Group to integrate advanced 5G technologies that not only enhance connectivity but also contribute to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, positioning these operators as leaders in the transition toward a more sustainable digital future.
In our “Breaking the Energy Curve” report, Ericsson offers updated advice to communications service providers (CSPs) about how they can become more energy-efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective as they scale with 5G, while also achieving their business goals and sustainability targets.
Our ongoing R&D efforts underscore the transformative potential of 5G in advancing sustainable business practices. Innovations like our triple-band, tri-sector radio significantly cut down on energy consumption and minimize site footprints, offering cost-effective solutions that align with environmental goals.
Through collaborations with our customers across the region, we shall continue to drive initiatives aimed at achieving Net Zero emissions and fostering climate action.
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