The Republic of Congo’s digital transformation could generate an additional CFA870 billion (US$1.5 billion) in economic value and create more than 144,000 jobs by 2030, according to a new report by the GSM Association (GSMA).
The report, titled Drive Digital Transformation of the Economy in the Republic of Congo, highlights the potential of digital technologies to accelerate economic growth, improve productivity and expand access to financial and public services across the Central African nation.
According to the study, digital expansion could also connect an additional 540,000 people to mobile internet by the end of the decade, helping to bridge the country’s digital divide and broaden participation in the digital economy.
“The Republic of Congo has built a strong foundation in mobile connectivity, but closing the usage gap now requires coordinated fiscal, regulatory and demand-side reforms,” the GSMA said.
The organisation noted that while network infrastructure has expanded significantly in recent years, adoption remains relatively low, limiting the full economic benefits of digital technologies.
More Read
Around 86 percent of the population is currently covered by 4G mobile networks, indicating that access to digital infrastructure is relatively widespread.
However, only 19 percent of Congolese citizens actively use mobile internet services, while an estimated 70 percent of people living within network coverage areas remain offline.
The report identifies this disparity as one of the country’s biggest digital challenges, suggesting that affordability, digital literacy and trust in online services continue to hinder wider adoption.
More Read
To address these issues, GSMA called for reforms aimed at creating a more investment-friendly environment and encouraging broader use of digital technologies.
The association estimates that the number of mobile internet users could rise to approximately 2.2 million by 2030, representing about 31 percent of the country’s population.
Beyond economic growth and employment creation, the report forecasts substantial fiscal benefits from digitalisation.
GSMA projects a net fiscal impact of around CFA93 billion (US$160 million) in 2030 through improved tax collection efficiency and the expansion of the formal economy.
Cumulative tax revenues generated through digital transformation could reach CFA174 billion (US$299 million) over the period, according to the study.
The report suggests that digital technologies will influence nearly every major sector of the Congolese economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, transport, trade, financial services and public administration.
More Read
The expansion of mobile money services is expected to strengthen financial inclusion, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to traditional banking remains limited.
At the same time, the digitisation of business value chains could improve efficiency, reduce transaction costs and expand market opportunities for companies and consumers alike.
Despite these opportunities, the GSMA noted that Congo’s broader digital ecosystem still faces structural weaknesses.
The country scored 26 out of 100 in the GSMA Digital Nations and Society Index 2025, reflecting challenges in digital adoption, skills development and policy implementation.
Its score of 33 out of 100 for the policy and regulatory environment indicates that further reforms are needed to support investment and innovation.
To unlock the sector’s full potential, the report recommends strengthening regulatory and tax frameworks, improving conditions for investment in digital infrastructure and reducing the cost of smartphones and mobile data services.
The GSMA also stressed the importance of expanding digital skills training and reinforcing cybersecurity measures to build public confidence in digital platforms and services.
Analysts say successful implementation of these reforms could position the Republic of Congo to harness digital technologies as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation and long-term development.
