Mobile technologies and services now contribute $240 billion annually to Africa’s economy, supporting 13 million jobs and generating $45 billion in government revenues, according to a recent African Telecommunications Union (ATU) report presented with the GSMA.
Addressing the Usage Gap
While infrastructure coverage has expanded dramatically over the last 25 years, ATU Secretary General John Omo emphasized that coverage alone no longer measures digital progress.
Approximately 961 million Africans live within broadband coverage areas but remain unconnected. This usage gap is primarily caused by high device costs, limited digital literacy, and lack of local online content.
Priority Policy Reforms
To maximize the economic benefits of mobile connectivity and unlock AI-driven opportunities, industry leaders recommend four key policy steps:
- Reducing or removing taxes on entry-level smartphones to improve device affordability.
- Adopting technology-neutral licensing regimes to integrate satellite communications alongside mobile networks.
- Reforming Universal Service Funds to deploy unused balances effectively rather than increasing consumer taxes.
- Creating investment-friendly regulations to support continuous network expansion into rural areas.
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