Syniverse, which provides messaging and roaming applications for mobile operators across the continent, predicts an increase in the use of rich multimedia data, including Multimedia Messaging Services and location-based services such as social networking, and increased data growth across multiple operators that use different carrier technologies.

"Operators will have to work quickly to establish business agreements that allow them to capture the best possible revenue opportunities from this matrix of services and infrastructures," said Henegouwen.

Energy will continue to be a challenge for many providers moving into untapped markets that may not be connected to the power grid.

"Current energy infrastructure is unable to cope with the ever-increasing demand for power supply needed by new telecoms infrastructure, resulting in power shortages and mobile service interruptions, as well as problems with connectivity," Henegouwen said.

Governments like South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Nigeria have had power problems, but the move for green solutions and carbon credits is catching up with operators in the region.