The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising sectors across Africa and, in 2025, IoT is expected to continue driving digital innovation, enhancing operational efficiencies, and enabling the creation of smarter, more sustainable ecosystems. Key technologies like edge computing, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G connectivity, and enhanced security protocols will be critical to the evolution of IoT across various sectors. While global advancements provide insights, Africa presents unique opportunities and challenges that will shape the local adoption and application of IoT.

Edge computing: reducing latency and enhancing real-time data processing

As the number of connected devices increases, edge computing becomes a critical component of IoT systems in Africa. This technology processes data closer to where it is generated, reducing latency and optimising bandwidth. In South Africa’s mining industry, edge computing enables real-time monitoring of machinery, supporting predictive maintenance and reducing operational downtime. Additionally, edge computing is crucial in agriculture, where IoT sensors collect data from fields, enabling faster decision-making to optimise resource use and improve crop yields.

AI integration: smarter, autonomous systems

AI and IoT are increasingly integrated to create smarter, more autonomous systems that enhance decision-making capabilities. In South Africa, AI-powered IoT solutions are transforming agriculture through startups like Aerobotics, which uses AI and IoT to provide farmers with actionable insights on crop health and resource management. In the public sector, smart city initiatives in Johannesburg are leveraging AI and IoT for smart waste management, traffic optimisation, and street lighting systems to improve urban living and sustainability. Globally, AI is enhancing IoT’s potential to analyse vast datasets, enabling predictive analytics and real-time system optimisation.

5G connectivity: enabling seamless and scalable IoT applications

The adoption of 5G networks in Africa will accelerate IoT applications by offering faster, more reliable, and low-latency connectivity. In South Africa, 5G will enhance smart city developments by supporting real-time data from connected devices that monitor everything from traffic to waste management. The healthcare sector will also benefit from 5G, enabling remote patient monitoring and telemedicine services to function more effectively across the continent, improving access to care. As 5G becomes more widespread, IoT applications will scale, supporting more devices and more complex data-processing tasks.

IoT security: protecting the growing ecosystem of connected devices

With the growth of IoT, robust security measures are increasingly vital to protect connected devices and sensitive data. In South Africa, the energy sector, including Eskom’s smart meters, relies on IoT devices for real-time monitoring of electricity usage. As the number of these devices increases, protecting them from cyber-threats becomes crucial. Enhanced security protocols such as end-to-end encryption, real-time monitoring, and secure authentication methods will ensure the safety of IoT networks. This is particularly important as IoT is adopted in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing, where the consequences of security breaches can be severe.

Interoperability standards: ensuring seamless integration across IoT ecosystems

Standardisation of IoT protocols is essential for ensuring that devices and platforms across different sectors can work together effectively. In Africa, where the IoT landscape is fragmented, the adoption of interoperability standards will simplify the integration of diverse solutions. In South Africa, interoperability is visible in projects like Eskom’s smart metering system, where IoT devices from different manufacturers are integrated into a single network for real-time energy monitoring. As IoT ecosystems become more complex, standardisation will facilitate the scaling of solutions across industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and urban planning, streamlining their implementation.

Sustainability: driving green initiatives through IoT

Sustainability is a growing concern in businesses across the continent, and IoT can play a significant role in achieving greener outcomes. In South Africa, smart meters are helping consumers optimise energy use, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing waste. In agriculture, IoT sensors help farmers monitor soil moisture levels, reducing water consumption and improving irrigation systems. Globally, IoT enables environmental monitoring, such as pollution detection and waste management, supporting sustainable urban development and resource management. These IoT solutions align with the global push for sustainable practices, contributing to a greener future for Africa and South Africa.

Healthcare IoT: revolutionising patient care and reducing costs

The healthcare sector is experiencing significant IoT adoption, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare services is often limited. In South Africa, IoT is being used to monitor vital signs in hospitals and manage chronic conditions remotely, improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital visits. Across Africa, IoT-powered devices help transmit patient data to healthcare professionals, enabling timely diagnoses and personalised care. In countries like Rwanda, IoT is playing a vital role in remote healthcare, transmitting real-time data from patients in underserved regions to improve healthcare delivery.

Smart cities: enhancing urban living through IoT

Across Africa, IoT is driving the development of smart cities, enhancing urban infrastructure, traffic management, and public safety. In Johannesburg, IoT is improving waste management, street lighting, and traffic flow, creating a more sustainable and efficient urban environment. Smart cities in Lagos, Nigeria, and Cape Town are adopting similar technologies to optimise public services and monitor environmental conditions. As urban populations grow, IoT will continue to provide innovative solutions to manage resources, reduce costs, and improve the quality of life for city dwellers.

Industrial IoT (IIoT): enhancing operational efficiency and productivity

Industries such as mining, manufacturing and energy in South Africa are increasingly adopting IoT solutions to improve efficiency, monitor operations, and optimise supply chains. In the mining sector, IoT sensors are used to monitor equipment and predict maintenance needs, reducing downtime and improving productivity. Similarly, in manufacturing, IoT-driven analytics optimise production lines, streamline operations, and enhance quality control. As industries in Africa embrace IIoT, these technologies will drive growth, increase productivity, and contribute to economic development.

Consumer IoT: enhancing convenience and functionality

The consumer IoT market is rapidly growing, with smart devices like wearables, connected homes, and appliances becoming more popular. In South Africa, smart home systems are gaining traction, offering enhanced convenience, energy management, and security. IoT-enabled wearables, such as health trackers, are also growing in popularity, helping consumers monitor their health and fitness. As 5G and AI continue to evolve, consumer IoT devices will become even more sophisticated, offering greater interactivity and real-time functionality to users.

In 2025, IoT is poised to continue transforming industries across Africa. From healthcare to manufacturing, and smartcities to consumer devices, IoT is enabling smarter, more efficient ecosystems. Key trends such as edge computing, AI integration, 5G connectivity, and sustainability will drive the next wave of IoT adoption. While challenges related to security, connectivity, and interoperability remain, the benefits of IoT adoption far outweigh these hurdles. By leveraging these advancements, organisations across Africa and South Africa can unlock new growth opportunities, improving service delivery and positioning themselves for success in an increasingly connected world.