Mobile technologies are forecast to contribute $290 billion to Africa’s economy by 2030 ​as digital adoption deepens, although the ‌region’s main challenge has shifted from expanding infrastructure to ensuring people fully use existing connectivity, industry organisation ​GSMA said on Tuesday.

The GSMA Mobile ​Economy Africa 2026 report said the sector ⁠contributed $240 billion in 2025, equivalent to ​7.8% of GDP. The industry also supported 13 ​million jobs and generated $45 billion in public revenues, underscoring how the usage gap — not coverage — now defines ​the industry’s next phase.

Mobile operators, after a ​decade of expanding coverage, are repositioning as digital transformation ‌partners, ⁠deploying artificial intelligence, expanding services and opening their networks. More than three quarters cite this shift as a core objective.

About 63% ​of Africans remain ​unconnected ⁠to mobile internet despite living within mobile broadband coverage, compared with ​just 9% who lack access. Affordability, ​limited ⁠digital skills and social barriers constrain usage, GSMA said.

The industry is also ramping up investment, ⁠with ​operators expected to spend more ​than $76 billion on network infrastructure by 2030.

REUTERS