In its Mobile Economy Africa 2026 report released on Tuesday, GSMA highlighted a structural shift in the sector’s priorities. The organisation noted that while infrastructure expansion has progressed significantly over the past decade, millions of people remain unable to fully benefit from mobile internet access already available to them.
“The industry’s main challenge has shifted from expanding infrastructure to ensuring people fully use existing connectivity,” GSMA said on Tuesday, pointing to what it describes as a growing “usage gap — not coverage.”
Sector contributes $240bn and remains a major economic driver
The report showed that mobile services already play a central role in Africa’s economic landscape. In 2025, the mobile ecosystem contributed approximately $240 billion, equivalent to 7.8% of the continent’s GDP.
Beyond direct economic output, the sector’s influence extends into employment and public finances. It currently supports around 13 million jobs across the value chain, while also generating about $45 billion in government revenues through taxes and regulatory payments.
These figures reinforce how mobile technology has become deeply embedded in Africa’s economic structure, powering both formal and informal sectors through connectivity, mobile money, and digital services.
Operators pivot toward digital transformation and AI-driven services
Having largely completed the expansion of network coverage in many regions, mobile operators are now repositioning themselves as broader digital transformation partners. Rather than focusing solely on connectivity, companies are increasingly investing in platforms, services, and emerging technologies.
More than three-quarters of operators surveyed by GSMA said this strategic shift—toward artificial intelligence integration, expanded digital services, and more open network ecosystems—is now a core objective.
This transition signals a move from traditional telecom operations to more diversified digital infrastructure providers, with mobile networks increasingly serving as foundations for fintech, cloud services, and AI-enabled applications.
Millions still offline despite network availability
Despite progress in coverage, access does not always translate into usage. GSMA estimates that around 63% of Africans who remain offline are actually living within mobile broadband coverage areas.
In contrast, only about 9% of the population lacks any access to mobile broadband coverage at all, underscoring that infrastructure gaps are no longer the primary constraint.
Instead, affordability challenges, limited digital literacy, and persistent social barriers continue to prevent many people from getting online or using mobile internet services effectively.
Rising investment signals long-term confidence in Africa’s digital future
Looking ahead, the industry is expected to significantly scale up capital spending. Operators are projected to invest more than $76 billion in network infrastructure by 2030, focusing on network upgrades, capacity expansion, and new technology deployment.
This sustained investment suggests long-term confidence in Africa’s digital economy, even as stakeholders increasingly recognise that future growth will depend less on building new towers and more on enabling meaningful digital participation.