The organisation disclosed this in its Mobile Economy Africa 2026 report, which estimates that the mobile sector contributed about $240 billion in 2025, representing 7.8 percent of Africa’s gross domestic product.
According to the report, the industry also supported approximately 13 million jobs while generating about $45 billion in public revenues, underscoring its growing role in economic development across the continent.
GSMA said that Africa’s mobile industry is entering a new phase, where the focus is shifting from expanding network coverage to increasing meaningful usage of mobile internet services.
It revealed that while a large proportion of the population is covered by mobile broadband networks, about 63 percent of Africans are still not using mobile internet. In contrast, only around nine percent remain completely outside network coverage.
The organisation attributed the usage gap to challenges such as affordability, limited digital skills, and broader social barriers.
It further stated that mobile network operators are increasingly repositioning themselves as digital transformation partners, investing in artificial intelligence, expanding digital services, and opening up network capabilities.
The report added that operators are expected to invest more than $76 billion in infrastructure by 2030 as demand for connectivity continues to grow across Africa.
Goodness Anunobi
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