As policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators gather for the GSMA Digital Africa Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, a new GSMA research unveiled shows how digitalisation across key sectors, from connectivity to manufacturing, can unlock opportunities for millions across the continent.
The findings, published in Accelerating Smartphone Adoption in Africa and Enabling Smart Manufacturing in Africa, present a single vision: that connectivity, affordability, and progressive policy reform are the foundations of Africa’s next phase of digital and economic growth.
“These reports demonstrate that Africa’s digital transformation is already reshaping how people live, work, and access essential services,” said Angela Wamola, Head of GSMA Africa. “To make it truly inclusive, we must tackle affordability and accessibility head-on, ensuring every citizen, business, and public service can benefit from the power of connectivity.”
According to GSMA Intelligence, closing Africa’s mobile internet usage gap by 2030 could add around US$700 billion to Africa’s GDP, while transforming lives through better access to education, healthcare, and financial services. Yet affordability remains the most significant barrier to smartphone ownership.
South Africa’s recent tax reforms on entry-level smartphones show how fiscal policy can make digital access more inclusive, an approach the GSMA and industry partners are urging other African governments to replicate.
Building on this momentum, at MWC Kigali 2025, the GSMA and leading African operators launched a continent-wide initiative proposing minimum specifications for affordable 4G smartphones and called on governments to remove taxes and duties on devices priced below US$100 (approx. UGX362,000). Eliminating these costs could reduce handset prices by up to 50%, expanding access for the three billion people across Africa who still lack meaningful connectivity.
Meanwhile, mobile networks now cover 95% of Africa’s population, yet only about 40% use mobile internet. This widening usage gap, driven mainly by high device costs, limited digital literacy, and a shortage of local content, is now the continent’s greatest connectivity challenge.
New connectivity models, including community networks and satellite solutions, are extending reach to remote areas, but these alone cannot close the gap. Real progress depends on affordable devices, relevant local services, and digital skills, ensuring that coverage translates into participation.
The GSMA is calling for African governments, industry, and development partners to accelerate digital inclusion and economic growth. Stakeholders should focus on reducing taxes and fees on affordable smartphones, especially those priced below US$100 to make them more accessible to low-income users.
Complementing this, expanding pre-owned and financing models can further boost smartphone adoption by offering flexible ownership options. Equally vital is the need to strengthen reliable electricity supply and expand 4G and 5G coverage across key sectors such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, ensuring that connectivity advancements translate into real socio-economic impact.
Further focus on the role of mobile technology in accelerating digital economies and boosting inclusion will continue at GSMA’s MWC Doha 2025 from November 25-26.
