GSMA Launches Kenya Digital Economy Report to Bridge Africa’s Connectivity Gap
The GSMA, in collaboration with mobile operators, Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, and the Communications Authority, has unveiled three critical reports: the Kenya Digital Economy Report, the Digital Africa Index (DAI), and the Smartphone Affordability Report, which focuses on Kenya as a case study. These insights serve as essential tools to accelerate digital connectivity and unlock vast economic potential across Africa.
Despite the transformative socio-economic benefits of digital technologies, nearly two-thirds of Sub-Saharan Africa remains disconnected from mobile internet. Current projections suggest that closing this digital divide could take another 30 years if left unaddressed. However, with collective efforts, that future can be altered significantly.
Bridging the digital usage gap by 2030 could potentially add $700 billion to Africa’s GDP between 2024 and 2030, highlighting the urgency of adopting policy reforms that empower the telecommunications sector. Such reforms would enable more inclusive access to mobile internet and, in turn, contribute to the continent’s economic growth and resilience in an increasingly digital world.