Jio and the rumoured $50 smartphone: reading the signals

Over the past decade, mobile operators in Africa have invested significantly to expand network coverage and capacity. Despite this investment, the region has not seen the same level of growth in the adoption and use of mobile internet. To help address this, in 2024, the GSMA launched the first Digital Africa Index (DAI). This provides a comprehensive assessment that helps countries in Africa understand how advanced they are in integrating digital technologies into their societies and economies. It also offers guidance on the interventions required to accelerate growth. This report accompanies the launch of the third edition of the Digital Africa Index.

From the shape and size of markets to trends in consumer behaviour, GSMA Intelligence aims to provide food for thought through informative visuals designed to bring colour and clarity to complex issues facing the industry. This chart highlights how replacement intention data from the GSMA Intelligence Consumer Survey suggests sales of smartphones will remain under pressure.

This edition of the Industry Checkpoint series focuses on consumer eSIM, highlighting momentum behind travel eSIM; new players launching eSIM-only MVNO services; operator efforts to expand eSIM use cases beyond smartphones; and operators using eSIM to target inbound travellers, including enriching connectivity with benefits that improve the wider visitor experience.