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Africa’s mobile technology sector delivered a remarkable economic impact in 2024, contributing USD 220 billion to the continent’s GDP — equivalent to 7.7% of total economic output, according to the Mobile Economy Africa 2025 report released by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA).

Unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Kigali, the report paints an optimistic picture of Africa’s digital transformation. It projects that by 2030, the mobile industry could add USD 270 billion to Africa’s GDP as connectivity deepens and digital services expand. “Mobile technology is not just connecting people — it’s creating economies,” said Angela Wamola, Head of Africa at GSMA. “The next wave of growth depends on how well Africa integrates AI, fintech, and mobile innovation to close the digital divide.”

The GSMA forecasts that artificial intelligence adoption, powered by expanding 4G and 5G networks, could double Africa’s GDP growth by 2035. These technologies are expected to transform critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and public services, enhancing efficiency and access. Industry leaders in Kigali described mobile connectivity as “the backbone of Africa’s modern economy.” They highlighted how mobile innovation drives financial inclusion, job creation, and entrepreneurship — particularly in agriculture, logistics, and digital finance.

Mobile money remains a cornerstone of this transformation. Platforms such as M-Pesa and MoMo continue to bring millions into the financial ecosystem, offering tools like digital wallets, microloans, and savings accounts that were previously inaccessible to many.

However, the continent still faces hurdles. While 90% of Africans now live within 3G or 4G coverage, only 58% actively use mobile internet. Barriers such as high data costs, limited digital literacy, and low online trust continue to restrict full participation in the digital economy.

Rwanda exemplifies Africa’s rapid digital progress. According to ICT Minister Paula Ingabire, the country expanded from 500,000 to 5 million 4G users between 2023 and 2025 — a tenfold increase achieved through strong public-private partnerships and a national digital inclusion strategy.

“By ensuring the promise of connectivity reaches every home, school, and hospital, we are transforming lives,” Ingabire said. Through initiatives like the Digital Ambassadors Program, Rwanda has connected or trained nearly 1,000 health centers, 4,000 schools, and 4.5 million citizens in digital skills. She emphasized the importance of locally driven innovation, stating: “We must connect people, ideas, and markets — creating solutions designed in Africa, built for Africa, and scaled to the world.”

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Experts caution that Africa’s digital acceleration must prioritize consumer protection and data security. Jeanes Viljoen of PwC stressed that trust is as crucial as technology: “People need to feel confident their data, savings, and transactions are secure,” Viljoen said.

As Africa advances toward a USD 270 billion digital economy, the path forward hinges on balancing innovation with inclusion and security — ensuring that the benefits of the mobile revolution reach every African citizen.

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