HARARE – Mobile technologies are projected to contribute $290 billion to Africa’s economy by 2030, up from $240 billion in 2025, underscoring the growing importance of digital connectivity across the continent. However, nearly one billion Africans remain offline despite living within mobile broadband coverage areas, according to a new industry report highlighted by Business Insider Africa.
The findings, contained in the GSMA Mobile Economy Africa 2026 Report, point to a significant shift in Africa’s digital development challenge. While network coverage has expanded rapidly over the past decade, the primary barrier to connectivity is now internet adoption rather than infrastructure availability.
According to the report, mobile technologies and services accounted for 7.8% of Africa’s GDP in 2025, supporting approximately 13 million jobs and generating $45 billion in public revenues through taxes, licensing fees and spectrum charges.
Business Insider Africa reported that only about 9% of Africans remain outside mobile broadband coverage, while an estimated 63% of the continent’s population—close to one billion people—live within network coverage areas but do not use mobile internet services.
The data highlights the growing importance of addressing affordability and digital inclusion challenges as governments and telecommunications companies seek to unlock the full potential of Africa’s digital economy.
Affordability Replaces Coverage as Key Obstacle
For years, African telecommunications operators focused heavily on expanding network coverage through investments in mobile towers, fibre infrastructure and broadband technologies. Those efforts have succeeded in bringing connectivity to much of the continent.
However, the GSMA report indicates that high smartphone costs, expensive data services, limited digital literacy, online security concerns and broader socio-economic barriers are now preventing millions of people from accessing the internet.
In many African countries, smartphone ownership remains beyond the reach of low-income households, while data costs continue to consume a significant portion of disposable incomes.
Industry analysts believe narrowing the internet usage gap could deliver substantial economic gains by integrating millions of consumers and businesses into digital markets.
Mobile Industry Driving Economic Transformation
Beyond its direct contribution to GDP, the mobile sector is increasingly serving as a catalyst for broader economic transformation across Africa.
Mobile-enabled services continue to drive growth in financial inclusion, digital commerce, healthcare, education and public service delivery. The continent also remains the world’s largest mobile money market, with digital financial services providing access to banking and payments for millions of previously underserved people.
According to Business Insider Africa, the GSMA expects mobile technologies to add another $50 billion in economic value over the next five years as internet adoption accelerates and digital services become more deeply embedded in everyday life.
Telecom Firms Expand Into Digital Services and AI
The report also highlights a strategic shift among African telecommunications companies, many of which are diversifying beyond traditional voice and data services.
More than three-quarters of operators surveyed identified artificial intelligence, digital services and open network platforms as major priorities for future growth.
Telecommunications firms are increasingly investing in fintech platforms, cloud computing services, cybersecurity solutions, digital identity systems and enterprise technology offerings as they seek new revenue streams.
Artificial intelligence is also moving from pilot projects to practical deployment, with operators using AI-powered systems to improve network performance, automate customer support and streamline business operations.
Infrastructure Investment Remains Strong
Despite the focus on digital services, network expansion remains a major priority.
The GSMA estimates that mobile operators will invest more than $76 billion in telecommunications infrastructure across Africa between 2025 and 2030. Much of this spending will be directed towards expanding 4G coverage, deploying 5G networks, strengthening fibre connectivity and improving overall network quality.
The investment comes amid rising demand for data-intensive services, artificial intelligence applications, e-commerce platforms and enterprise digital solutions.
With Africa’s young population, rapid urbanisation and growing digital consumer base, the continent remains one of the world’s fastest-growing technology markets.
However, the report suggests that the next phase of Africa’s digital transformation will depend less on building new networks and more on ensuring that millions of people can afford, access and confidently use the internet.
For governments, reducing the digital usage gap could boost productivity, tax revenues and financial inclusion. For mobile operators and technology companies, it represents one of the largest untapped consumer opportunities in the global digital economy.
Source: Business Insider Africa, citing the GSMA Mobile Economy Africa 2026 Report.
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