The Mobile Economy Africa 2026

Africa’s mobile industry is undergoing a transformation in how it operates and how it creates value. Operators across the continent are moving beyond their traditional role as connectivity providers: they are repositioning themselves as full-stack digital partners for enterprises and governments; deploying AI across networks and customer operations; and opening network capabilities to developers through standardised APIs. 

This evolution is already reflected in the numbers. In 2025, mobile technologies and services generated $240 billion in economic value across Africa (equivalent to 7.8% of regional GDP), supporting approximately 13 million jobs and contributing $45 billion in public revenues. By 2030, this contribution is projected to reach $290 billion, driven by the continued expansion of 4G and 5G networks, the deepening of enterprise digitalisation and the broader adoption of digital technologies across sectors.

This growth comes against a backdrop of significant challenges. The usage gap, the gap between coverage and actual internet adoption, continues to be Africa’s defining digital challenge, with 63% of the population covered by mobile broadband but not yet online. Closing this gap requires action on device affordability, digital skills and social barriers that infrastructure investment alone cannot resolve. At the same time, operators face growing pressure to power their networks sustainably, reduce dependence on diesel and meet carbon commitments while managing the energy demands of expanding data traffic.