The telecom industry has been a major employer of labour in Africa, playing an essential role in the continent’s digital transformation. The sector has been experiencing a significant job deficit for years. However, a potential talent deficit of 300,00 qualified professionals is projected to occur by 2025.
For this report, data from multiple sources were compiled: salary surveys from major telecom recruitment firms, HR departments of telecom operators, and online platforms.
Salary comparison by country
Telecom salaries in Africa do not have a uniform structure. In this section, we will look at telecom job salaries across the continent using Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt and other key markets.
1. Nigeria
Image source: Nigeria Paylab
The telecommunication industry pay in Nigeria varies according to each telecom company. However, the average salary for telecom professionals in Nigeria ranges approximately from ₦155,000 ($96.63) to ₦575,000 ($358.46) per month. The actual figures for telecom job salaries in the country are also influenced by role, experience level and the size of the employing company. MTN Nigeria is one of the biggest operators: the telecom giant’s payroll figures show some employees earning over ₦1 million monthly, indicating a higher salary structure compared with other telecoms in the country.
The cost of living in Nigeria, specifically in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, is relatively high and is factored into telecommunications industry pay in the country. A similar job description will earn higher in Lagos if compared with Osun state, due to disparities in the cost of living. Also, income tax rates in Nigeria are pegged between 7% and 24%, depending on annual income.
Studying the salary structure trends, there has been an upward movement in telecom salaries for 3-5 years.
2. South Africa
South Africa, being one of the most developed telecom markets in Africa, offers a more competitive salary structure – a reflection of the high skills and experience required. On average, the telecommunications industry salary is around R330,000 ($17,519.60) per year, with entry positions starting at approximately R216,000 ($11,467.38) and experienced employees earning as high as R988,000 ($52,452.62) annually.
The cost of living in South Africa differs by city, with major urban centres like Johannesburg and Cape Town having higher costs of living. South Africa’s income tax rates range between 18% and 45% based on taxable income.
Regional salary differences exist, with Gauteng and the Western Cape often offering higher salaries compared to other provinces. Historical salary trends in South Africa’s tech and telecom sectors have generally shown a steady increase, with projections for 2025 indicating further moderate growth.
3. Kenya
The telecommunication sector is driven by its developed technology and high mobile penetration; telecom job salaries offer a wide range of opportunities. The majority of the workers in telecommunications engineering earn a monthly salary between Ksh 50,955 ($393.28) to Ksh 145,586 ($1,123.65), with the technicians earning an average salary of Ksh 122,500 ($945.47).
Income tax rates in Kenya range from 10% to 35% based on annual taxable income, and telecom companies have regional salary scales with people in urban centres earning higher due to high living costs. Like other countries, the trend in the country shows an upward trajectory with the potential to grow higher in the coming years.
4. Egypt
The average telecom salary in Egypt for an engineer is around EGP 365,410 ($7,170.73) yearly, while the average pay for a consultant is approximately EGP 284,324 ($5,579.52) per year. Compared with other countries, the cost of living in Egypt is relatively lower, with income tax pegged between 0% to 27.5% based on annual earned income.
There is a high possibility of regional salary variations, with Cairo being a major city and an economic hub with a slightly higher cost of living compared with other cities.
5. Other key markets (Ghana, Morocco and Tanzania)
Outside the major countries, the telecommunications industry’s pay in some other countries is also attractive. In Ghana, the average telecom job salary falls between 2,185 GHS ($147.64) and 8,583 GHS ($579.93) per month. Meanwhile, Morocco telecoms pay around 280,684 MAD ($30,228.82) yearly. In Tanzania, the salary range for employees ranges from 579,248 TZS ($215.53) to 2,221,127 TZS ($826.47) monthly.
Experience level and compensation progression
Entry-level (0-2 years): Professionals in the category, such as support engineers, junior network technicians or customer support specialists, earn modest salaries with little or no bonus. In countries like Nigeria, South Africa or Kenya, a telecom job salary for an entry-level employee ranges from $4000 to $7000 annually, depending on the company, location and other factors.
Mid-level (3-6 years): Professionals with technical skills and certifications can occupy roles such as systems engineer, telecom analyst and project manager. At this stage, salaries increase by 30% to 80% compared with entry-level roles, with additional performance bonuses.
Senior-level (7+ years): Telecommunications industry pay for this level usually doubles from the mid-level range, with more bonus options. Salary packages may go as high as $25,000 to $50,000 annually, especially at multinational telecoms.
Executive/Director level (10-20+ years): Telecom job salaries at this stage are mostly negotiated individually. Salaries can range between $60,000 and $200,000 yearly, especially in big telecoms. These packages include bonuses, housing, travel allowances, etc.
Education requirements and salary implications
Educational levels play a major role in telecommunication career earnings in Africa. Higher levels of education and relevant certifications play important parts in determining telecom salaries in Africa for employees. Specific degrees that attract higher earning potentials include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, computer science, information technology, and related fields. Specialised certifications, such as those offered by Cisco (e.g., CCNP, CCIE) in networking, or certifications in cybersecurity (e.g., CISSP, CEH), can also significantly boost earning potential, as they demonstrate a high level of expertise in critical areas.
Telecommunications engineers with a master’s degree will earn considerably more than those with a bachelor’s degree due to advanced knowledge and research skills associated with postgraduate education. Similarly, professionals with industry-recognised certifications often attract higher pay due to their certified expertise and ability to contribute practically to special projects and specialisation.
Company type and salary variations
1. Major multinational operators
Telecoms such as MTN, Vodacom, Airtel, and Orange offer the most competitive telecommunications career earnings in Africa. These companies have the resources to attract and retain promising talents by offering attractive starting salaries, performance-based bonuses and other benefit packages. Working here also opens doors to international opportunities and career advancement within a global company.
However, these companies mostly have more rigid hierarchical structures, which may potentially slow down career progression compared with smaller telecom companies.
2. Local telecommunications company
Telecom salaries in Africa by local companies might not always match those of large multinationals; in fact, they never do. However, they offer competitive compensation, especially for highly experienced professionals with extensive knowledge of the local market. These companies provide an environment for faster career growth and offer basic benefit packages like health insurance and retirement benefits.
3. Equipment vendors and infrastructure providers
Providers such as Nokia, Ericsson or Huawei are important parts of the telecom sector, they are responsible for the provision of the technology and infrastructure. Salaries at these companies are highly competitive, particularly for engineers and technical specialists. Employees in the sector require specialised technical skills.
4. Telecom startups and digital service providers
Salary structures at startups are very dynamic, with some offering competitive benefit packages which mostly include stock options or equity in addition to base salary. However, compensation with startups is largely dependent on the company’s financial performance and funding rounds.
Negotiation tips: Maximising your telecom industry compensation
Research thoroughly: Before negotiations, research salary benchmarks for similar roles in your target country.
Highlight unique skills: Emphasise your skills and certifications, particularly in high-demand areas.
Present a salary range: Provide a well-researched salary range and not a fixed number. Also, demonstrate your knowledge of market value and allow for negotiations.
Negotiate the total package: Don’t focus solely on base salary, negotiate other compensation components such as performance bonuses, stock options, health insurance, retirement package, etc.
Consider the cost of living and taxes
Be confident and professional
Conclusion: Positioning yourself in the African telecom job market
The African telecommunications job market in 2025 presents opportunities, fuelled by rapid technological advancements and increasing connectivity across the continent. While a talent gap persists, this also signifies a favourable environment for skilled professionals seeking to enter or advance their careers within the industry. By understanding the salary benchmarks across various roles, countries, and company types, professionals can position themselves to maximise their earning potential.
The importance of continuous learning and acquiring in-demand skills, particularly in emerging areas like 5G, AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, cannot be overstated. Educational qualifications and relevant industry certifications play an important role in career progression and salary advancement within the telecom sector.
Furthermore, being aware of the benefits and perks beyond the base telecom salaries in Africa and mastering effective negotiation techniques can lead to more comprehensive and rewarding compensation packages. As the African telecom industry continues its growth, professionals who are well-informed about market trends, possess the necessary skills, and approach their career with strategic planning will find themselves well-positioned to succeed in the sector.
