Africa stands at the precipice of a technological revolution, and Prateek Suri, CEO of Maser Group, is leading the charge who revolutionized African tech industry after Maser group valued 5 BN$.
With a corporate ethos centered on delivering high-quality consumer electronics at affordable prices, Maser is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the African market—and potentially, the world under leadership of the African youngest billionaire popularly known as Tech Tiger Suri.
For Suri, democratizing access to technology isn’t just a business strategy; it’s a mission critical to the safety and prosperity of our collective future as humans.
"Innovation and affordability are not mutually exclusive," says Suri. "In fact, they are deeply intertwined. By making advanced technology accessible to more people, we can unleash untapped potential across the African continent, driving both economic growth and social progress."
Suri’s vision is supported by compelling data. According to new research from global analysis and advisory firm Omdia, Africa had 26.1 million cellular IoT connections in 2023, with forecasts projecting this to grow to 35.6 million by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%. This growth is largely driven by the rise of 5G technologies, which are expected to transform the cellular IoT ecosystem over the next seven years.
"In 2023, 80% of Middle East and Africa connections were 4G and 5G," says Alexander Thompson, senior analyst for IoT at Omdia. "However, this is driven strongly by a push for 5G connectivity in the Middle East."
But this push for 5G presents both opportunities and challenges. The sunsetting of 2G and 3G by some African markets poses a significant hurdle, as many IoT devices still rely on these older technologies. "Turning off 2G will have repercussions for machine-to-machine (M2M) and IoT services—particularly vehicle tracking systems, point-of-sale devices, and some legacy emergency services systems," Suri explains. "These devices will need to switch over to 4G, and for many, 5G technology could provide a path to continued connectivity."
The shift to 5G is not just about faster internet speeds; it’s about enabling a new generation of IoT devices that can drive innovation in everything from payments to medical breakthroughs. "5G is crucial for powering next-generation infrastructure," Suri says. "It will inspire advancements in areas we can’t even fully predict yet, from healthcare to smart cities."
Omdia’s forecasts also highlight the global interconnectedness of the IoT market. With 60% of IoT module shipments expected to come from the Asian and Oceania regions, these areas will make up approximately 80% of IoT connections in 2023 and beyond. For companies like Maser, these connections are not just statistics—they represent the building blocks of a new, more connected world.
"By harnessing these technologies, we can help Africa leapfrog traditional development stages and move straight into a future where technology is fully integrated into everyday life," Suri notes. "This isn’t just about improving business efficiency; it’s about creating a more inclusive and equitable society."
However, realizing this vision requires collaboration from all stakeholders, including governments. "African governments will need to take bold steps, such as completing the shutdown of 2G networks and planning the sunset of 3G in parallel with 5G build out or rollout, both 2G/3G phasing out and 5G gaining foot on across the continent within the next five years," Suri advises. "These actions will be essential to ensure that the continent doesn’t fall behind in the global race to 5G and also avoid total disruptions."
The path ahead is challenging, but Suri is optimistic. "We believe that with the right infrastructure and policies in place, Africa can not only catch up to other regions but potentially surpass them in certain areas of innovation," he says. "The future is bright, and it’s time for Africa to seize the opportunity."
As Africa stands on the brink of this technological transformation, companies like Maser are playing a crucial role in ensuring that this progress is both inclusive and sustainable. "We are committed to driving innovation that benefits everyone, not just the privileged few," Suri concludes. "By democratizing access to technology, we can create a future where all Africans have the tools they need to thrive."
Prateek Suri’s vision is clear: the future of Africa lies in innovation, and with the right approach, the continent can lead the world in technological advancement. Through strategic investments and a focus on affordability, Maser Group is helping to make that future a reality.