Mobile Coverage Reaches 91% Of Africans Yet 1 Billion Remain Offline, GSMA Finds

Mobile technologies contributed USD 240 B to Africa’s economy in 2025, equivalent to 7.8% of the continent’s GDP, according to a report released this week by the GSMA, the industry body representing mobile operators globally.

The sector supported roughly 13 million jobs and generated USD 45 B in public revenues through taxes, spectrum fees and license payments. The mobile industry’s economic contribution is expected to reach USD 290 B by 2030 as digital adoption deepens.

But the report also highlights a striking disconnect. While mobile broadband networks now reach most of the continent, nearly 1 billion Africans who live within coverage areas do not use mobile internet. Only about 9% of Africans live outside mobile broadband coverage. The challenge, the GSMA said, has shifted from expanding networks to ensuring people can afford and use them.

The usage gap

Affordability is the primary barrier. Smartphone prices remain out of reach for many low-income households, and data costs discourage regular use despite improvements in coverage. Limited digital skills, online safety concerns and social barriers also constrain adoption.

The report comes as African telecom operators reposition themselves beyond traditional voice and data services. According to GSMA Intelligence research, 79% of operators in Africa now identify becoming a digital transformation partner as a primary objective, deploying artificial intelligence, expanding digital services and opening network capabilities to developers through standardised APIs.

“Africa’s mobile industry is entering a new phase of development,” said Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA. “Having connected millions of people and businesses over the last decade, the focus is increasingly shifting towards unlocking greater value through AI, digital services and new forms of innovation.”

Operators are expected to spend more than USD 76 B on network infrastructure by 2030. Mobile-enabled services are increasingly supporting financial inclusion, digital commerce, healthcare delivery and education across the continent. Africa remains the world’s largest mobile money market, with millions relying on mobile financial services where traditional banking is limited.

Closing the usage gap, the GSMA said, could unlock significant economic opportunities by bringing hundreds of millions more people into the digital economy.