The Role of Mobile Connectivity in Africa's Digital Economy
Africa is at the edge of another kind of technology frontier.
From technology startups innovating for some of the continent’s dire infrastructure challenges to
a constantly growing community of hubs and enabling programmes, there is enough indication
that the digital economy has taken off.
But to what extent are we prepared to bridge the digital divide for building inclusive, sustainable
societies across Africa?
At the recent GSMA Mobile World Congress (MWC) Africa 2022, in Kigali, Rwanda, I had the
privilege of interacting and sharing insights with industry sector experts, business leaders and
policymakers on the continent’s ambition to enhance the power of connectivity.
The event also marked the release of the Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2022 report which
found that closing the mobile internet usage gap is crucial to realizing the potential of mobile
connectivity.
It calls for stakeholders to address the main barriers to mobile internet adoption, including
affordability and digital skills, to realize the potential of mobile connectivity to drive economic
growth and development.
Admittedly, Africa’s digital transformation is underway, generating transformational changes
across all economic sectors and providing social upsides.
On several market growth parameters for the mobile ecosystem, Africa has recorded the highest
growth rates globally.
However, according to the report, although 40 per cent of the adult population is connected to
mobile internet services, the usage gap remains a challenge: 44 per cent live in areas covered by
mobile broadband networks, but do not use mobile internet services.
Addressing the main barriers to mobile internet adoption for these people should be a priority
for stakeholders in order to realize the potential of mobile connectivity to drive economic growth
and development.
Mobile connectivity continues to bring endless potential by accelerating digital transformation
for all business sectors in Africa, from healthcare and education to manufacturing and financial
services.
In 2021, the mobile ecosystem supported over 3.2 million jobs (directly and indirectly), with $16
billion being raised through taxes.
Africa is at the edge of another kind of technology frontier.
From technology startups innovating for some of the continent’s dire infrastructure challenges to
a constantly growing community of hubs and enabling programmes, there is enough indication
that the digital economy has taken off.
But to what extent are we prepared to bridge the digital divide for building inclusive, sustainable
societies across Africa?
At the recent GSMA Mobile World Congress (MWC) Africa 2022, in Kigali, Rwanda, I had the
privilege of interacting and sharing insights with industry sector experts, business leaders and
policymakers on the continent’s ambition to enhance the power of connectivity.
The event also marked the release of the Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2022 report which
found that closing the mobile internet usage gap is crucial to realizing the potential of mobile
connectivity.
It calls for stakeholders to address the main barriers to mobile internet adoption, including
affordability and digital skills, to realize the potential of mobile connectivity to drive economic
growth and development.
Admittedly, Africa’s digital transformation is underway, generating transformational changes
across all economic sectors and providing social upsides.
On several market growth parameters for the mobile ecosystem, Africa has recorded the highest
growth rates globally.
However, according to the report, although 40 per cent of the adult population is connected to
mobile internet services, the usage gap remains a challenge: 44 per cent live in areas covered by
mobile broadband networks, but do not use mobile internet services.
Addressing the main barriers to mobile internet adoption for these people should be a priority
for stakeholders in order to realize the potential of mobile connectivity to drive economic growth
and development.
Mobile connectivity continues to bring endless potential by accelerating digital transformation
for all business sectors in Africa, from healthcare and education to manufacturing and financial
services.
In 2021, the mobile ecosystem supported over 3.2 million jobs (directly and indirectly), with $16
billion being raised through taxes.
