Africa’s mobile tech powers $220bn GDP boost, but digital divide still looms

Africa’s mobile technology sector pumped an impressive $220 billion into the continent’s GDP in 2024, accounting for 7.7% of total output, according to the Mobile Economy Africa 2025 report by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA).

• Africa’s mobile technology sector contributed $220bn (7.7%) to GDP in 2024, according to the GSMA.
• GSMA projects the figure could reach $270bn by 2030, powered by AI and 5G adoption.
• Rwanda showcases Africa’s digital progress, growing from 0.5m to 5m 4G users in two years.
• Experts warn that consumer trust and data security will be crucial for sustaining digital inclusion.

Launched at the Mobile World Congress in Kigali, the report paints a bold picture of Africa’s digital trajectory, one that could see mobile tech’s GDP contribution rise to $270 billion by 2030.

“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.”

A connected continent on the rise

The GSMA projects that AI adoption, driven by expanding 4G and 5G networks, could double Africa’s GDP growth by 2035, revolutionising public services, education, and healthcare.

Industry experts in Kigali emphasised that mobile connectivity has become “the backbone of Africa’s modern economy,” spurring inclusion, innovation, and new jobs across sectors like agriculture, finance, and logistics.

Across the continent, mobile money platforms continue to anchor this transformation, giving millions access to digital wallets, credit, and savings tools previously out of reach.

However, challenges remain: while 90% of Africans live within 3G or 4G coverage, only 58% actively use mobile internet, due to affordability gaps and low digital trust.

Rwanda’s digital leap

Rwanda stands as a model of what’s possible. ICT Minister Paula Ingabire revealed that the country grew from half a million to 5 million 4G users between 2023 and 2025, a tenfold surge driven by public-private partnerships and a bold national strategy.

“By ensuring the promise of connectivity reaches every home, school, and hospital, we are transforming lives,” Ingabire said, noting that nearly 1,000 health facilities, 4,000 schools, and 4.5 million citizens have been connected or trained under Rwanda’s Digital Ambassadors Program.

She added: “We must connect people, ideas, and markets, and create solutions designed in Africa, built for Africa, and scaled to the world.”

Experts like Jeanes Viljoen of PwC warn that Africa’s digital inclusion drive must go hand in hand with consumer protection.

“People need to feel confident their data, savings, and transactions are secure,” Viljoen said, underscoring that trust will be as vital as technology in shaping Africa’s $270bn digital future.