As policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators gather for the GSMA Digital Africa Summit in Cape Town, new research from the industry body shows how digitalisation across key sectors – from connectivity to manufacturing – can unlock opportunities for millions across the continent.
The findings, published in the reports “Accelerating Smartphone Adoption in Africa” and “Enabling Smart Manufacturing in Africa”, present a single vision – that connectivity, affordability, and progressive policy reform are the foundations of Africa’s next phase of digital and economic growth.
“These reports demonstrate that Africa’s digital transformation is already reshaping how people live, work, and access essential services,” says Angela Wamola, head of GSMA Africa. “To make it truly inclusive we must tackle affordability and accessibility head-on, ensuring every citizen, business, and public service can benefit from the power of connectivity.”
Accelerating smartphone adoption
According to GSMA Intelligence, closing Africa’s mobile Internet usage gap by 2030 could add around $700-billion to Africa’s GDP, while transforming lives through better access to education, healthcare, and financial services. Yet affordability remains the most significant barrier to smartphone ownership.
South Africa’s recent tax reforms on entry-level smartphones show how fiscal policy can make digital access more inclusive – an approach the GSMA and industry partners are urging other African governments to replicate.
Building on this momentum, at MWC Kigali 2025 the GSMA and leading African operators launched a continent-wide initiative proposing minimum specifications for affordable 4G smartphones and called on governments to remove taxes and duties on devices priced below $100. Eliminating these costs could reduce handset prices by up to 50%, expanding access for the 3-billion people across Africa who still lack meaningful connectivity.
Connectivity: Closing the usage gap
Mobile networks now cover 95% of Africa’s population, yet only about 40% use mobile Internet. This widening usage gap, driven mainly by high device costs, limited digital literacy, and a shortage of local content is now the continent’s greatest connectivity challenge.
New connectivity models, including community networks and satellite solutions, are extending reach to remote areas, but these alone cannot close the gap. Real progress depends on affordable devices, relevant local services, and digital skills – ensuring that coverage translates into participation.
Smart manufacturing: Powering productivity
The earlier “Enabling Smart Manufacturing in Africa” report shows how digitalisation in factories and industrial hubs can drive productivity, job creation, and competitiveness.
A shared call to Action
To turn this vision into reality, the GSMA is calling for governments, industry, and development partners to:
- Reduce taxes and fees on affordable smartphones – particularly those below $100.
- Scale pre-owned and financing models to boost smartphone adoption.
- Prioritise reliable electricity and 4G/5G coverage for critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing.