Mobile technology is expected to contribute US$290 billion to Africa’s economy by 2030 as digital adoption expands across the continent, although the industry’s biggest challenge is shifting from building network coverage to ensuring more people actively use digital services, a new report by the GSMA has said.
The GSMA Mobile Economy Africa 2026 report said the mobile ecosystem contributed $240 billion in 2025, representing about 7.8 percent of Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The sector also supported approximately 13 million jobs and generated US$45 billion in public revenues, highlighting the growing importance of telecommunications and digital services to economic growth across the continent.
GSMA said Africa had entered a new phase in its digital transformation journey. After years of investment focused on expanding mobile network coverage, the priority is now closing the gap between access and actual usage.
“Usage, not coverage, now defines the industry’s next phase,” the report said, pointing to barriers including affordability, digital skills shortages and social factors that prevent many people from benefiting fully from mobile connectivity.
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According to the report, about 63 percent of Africans remain unconnected to mobile internet despite living within areas covered by mobile broadband networks.
Only around 9 percent of the population lacks access to mobile broadband coverage, showing that infrastructure expansion has made significant progress but has not automatically translated into widespread adoption.
The GSMA said the challenge now is helping more people access devices, affordable data services and the skills needed to participate in the digital economy.
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Mobile operators across Africa are increasingly moving beyond traditional telecommunications services and positioning themselves as partners in broader digital transformation.
The industry is investing in artificial intelligence, financial technology services, digital platforms and expanded network capabilities to support sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and commerce.
More than three-quarters of mobile operators surveyed by GSMA identified this shift towards becoming digital transformation partners as a key strategic objective.
The report said artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies could create new opportunities for businesses and consumers, particularly in areas where digital tools can improve productivity and access to services.
Mobile money has already become one of Africa’s most significant digital success stories, helping millions of people access financial services in countries where traditional banking infrastructure remains limited.
The expansion of mobile connectivity has also supported small businesses by enabling online payments, digital marketplaces and easier access to customers.
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To support future growth, mobile operators are expected to continue investing heavily in infrastructure.
GSMA estimates that operators will spend more than US$76 billion on network infrastructure by 2030 as they expand capacity, improve connectivity and support the growth of advanced digital services.
However, the organisation warned that investment alone would not close Africa’s digital divide.
It said governments, businesses and industry stakeholders would need to work together to address challenges such as the high cost of smartphones, limited digital literacy and regulatory barriers that affect access.
The report comes as African economies increasingly look to technology as a driver of growth, job creation and innovation.
With a rapidly growing young population and rising demand for digital services, the continent remains one of the world’s fastest-growing mobile markets.
GSMA said unlocking the full economic potential of mobile technology would depend on ensuring that more people are not only covered by networks but are also able to use them meaningfully.
By 2030, the organisation expects the mobile sector to play an even larger role in Africa’s economy, contributing billions of dollars in value while supporting businesses, governments and consumers through greater digital inclusion.
