Greater innovation from telecommunications and technology companies is vital to drive the expansion of Internet connectivity across Africa, new research for blockchain-based mobile network operator World Mobile shows.

The study, which comprised interviews with African business leaders, was undertaken by independent research company PureProfile. It found that 65%, or nearly two out of three, are concerned that a lack of infrastructure is hindering traditional telecommunications companies’ delivery of the Internet connectivity the continent needs.

Despite this, one in four respondents expects dramatic improvements, amid increasing innovation.

The survey, in which 100 senior executives at companies based in Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania were interviewed during April, found optimism amid the respondents that innovation from new entrants would achieve dramatic improvements.

The study found that executives believe the expansion of the African middle class, combined with government support, is driving demand for innovation, and nearly three-quarters, or 71%, say new approaches are expanding Internet connectivity to hard-to-reach areas more affordably.

“There is growing confidence that Africa is on the verge of a revolution in Internet connectivity, with innovators such as World Mobile responding to the huge growth opportunities across the continent, including government support,” says World Mobile CEO Micky Watkins.

“However, the research with business leaders detects some scepticism, with more than a quarter of senior executives saying they expect no change in connectivity over the next five years and pointing to potential roadblocks such as bureaucracy and a lack of innovation.”

The survey reveals that two-thirds, or 66%, of the senior executives surveyed believe connectivity will improve over the next five years, with about a quarter, at 24%, expecting dramatic improvements.

“African business leaders believe the biggest benefits of expanding connectivity will be growing internal trade on the continent, which was highlighted by 78%. Around 75% pointed to growth in international trade, while 55%, however, say better education and healthcare,” Watkins adds.

“Improving Internet connectivity is vital to delivering the potential of Africa, which is not just good for global economic growth, but also for improving living standards across the continent and we are focused on playing our part in supporting innovation.”

World Mobile is working with the government in Zanzibar, where it is launching a unique hybrid mobile network delivering connectivity supported by low altitude platform balloons.

The blockchain-based network vastly reduces capital expenditure and cuts prices, compared with traditional telecommunications operators.