(3 Minutes Read)
Despite contributing USD 220 billion to Africa’s economy in 2024 (7.7% of GDP), the mobile sector still faces a vast usage gap—960 million people remain offline despite living within network coverage. This was the central theme at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Kigali 2025, opened on October 21 by President Paul Kagame.
Key challenges spotlighted at the event include:
- Handset Affordability: The biggest barrier to mobile internet use. GSMA and top African operators launched a coalition to promote low-cost 4G smartphones, following a successful tax reform in South Africa.
- Inclusive AI Development: A continent-wide initiative, “AI in Africa, by Africa, for Africa,” was launched to build AI models reflecting African languages and cultures.
- Energy Resilience: With over 80% of the world’s unelectrified population in Africa, reliable power is essential for digital growth.
The GSMA Mobile Economy Africa 2025 Report, unveiled at the event, highlights:
- 8 million jobs supported by the mobile ecosystem in 2024.
- USD 30 billion in public funding generated by the sector.
- 416 million users of mobile internet, projected to hit 576 million by 2030.
However, Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 790 million of the global usage gap, showing infrastructure isn’t enough—affordability, literacy, and relevant services are key.
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https://trendsnafrica.com/wb-report-ghana-africas-fastest-growing-mobile-money-market/
The 3-day conference brings together ministers, regulators, tech leaders, and development partners, focusing on translating vision into action. With USD 77 billion in network investments planned by 2030, supportive policy, energy integration, and AI inclusion are essential to ensure digital transformation benefits all Africans.
