The Mobile Economy Africa 2026 (GSMA)

Summary

• In 2025, mobile technologies and services generated $240 billion in economic value across Africa, equivalent to 7.8% of regional GDP.p.4
• Mobile supported approximately 13 million jobs and contributed $45 billion in public revenues in 2025.p.4
• Mobile's contribution is projected to reach $290 billion by 2030.p.4
• 63% of the population is covered by mobile broadband but not yet online.p.4
• Operators across Africa are projected to invest $76 billion in network capex between 2025 and 2030.p.6
• Africa represents 11% of global Open Gateway operator commitments.p.5

Key insights

1. Of the $45 billion in taxes contributed by the mobile sector in 2025, $20 billion came from device-related duties.p.6
2. In a GSMA survey, 79% of operators in Africa stated their primary enterprise goal is to become a digital transformation partner.p.5
3. Productivity effects reached $150 billion in 2025, followed by the direct contribution of $70 billion.p.11
4. Mobile's contribution is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5%, below the regional GDP growth forecast CAGR of 4.3%.p.12
5. Economic growth in Africa is projected to reach 4.2% in 2025, outperforming the global average of 3.1%.p.9
6. By December 2025, Ghana mobile money transaction volumes were 31% higher year over year after the levy was repealed.p.29
7. Penetration of 5G in Africa will reach 21% by 2030.p.7