A new report from the GSMA highlights that mobile technologies and services contributed $240 billion to Africa's economy in 2025, representing 7.8% of the continent's GDP. The sector also supported approximately 13 million jobs and generated $45 billion in public revenues, underscoring the growing importance of mobile connectivity in driving economic growth, innovation, and digital transformation across Africa.
New Phase of Digital Development
The GSMA's Mobile Economy Africa 2026 report indicates that Africa's mobile industry is entering a new phase of development. After a decade focused on expanding connectivity, operators are now concentrating on unlocking the full value of digital networks for consumers, businesses, and governments. Across the continent, operators are evolving beyond their traditional role as connectivity providers to become digital transformation partners. They are deploying artificial intelligence (AI), expanding digital services, and opening network capabilities to developers through standardised APIs.
According to GSMA Intelligence research, 79% of operators in Africa identify becoming a digital transformation partner as a primary enterprise objective.
Future Economic Impact
By 2030, mobile technologies and services are expected to contribute $290 billion to Africa's economy as digital adoption deepens and connectivity continues to support productivity, innovation, and economic development. The report notes that Africa's digital challenge has shifted from expanding network coverage to ensuring that people, businesses, and governments can fully benefit from the connectivity already in place.
GSMA Director General Comments
Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, stated: "Africa's mobile industry is entering a new phase of development. Having connected millions of people and businesses over the last decade, the focus is increasingly shifting towards unlocking greater value through AI, digital services, and new forms of innovation. Realising this opportunity will require continued investment, policies that encourage innovation, and a shared commitment to ensuring that everyone can benefit from the opportunities digital technologies create. We also call on the broader technology supply chain – including those who manufacture the components that make devices possible – to reflect on how their own success is tied to a connected world, and to join us in closing the usage gap and making that world more accessible and affordable for all."
The full GSMA press release is available online.
