Ethiopia’s Digital Economy Poised to Add ETB 1.3 Trillion to GDP by 2028, GSMA Report Reveals

Ethiopia’s digital economy could add over ETB 1.3 trillion to GDP by 2028, according to the GSMA’s new report, ‘Digital Economy Ethiopia Report: Opportunities, policy reforms and the role of mobile ‘. The report highlights how telecom reforms and investments in mobile technology are catalysing growth in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and public services. These advancements are expected to create over 1 million new jobs and generate an additional ETB 57 billion in tax revenues by 2028. 

Ethiopia’s telecom reforms under the Home-Grown Economic Reform (HGER) programme have driven major progress. By 2023, the sector contributed ETB 700 billion to GDP and generated ETB 57 billion in tax revenues. Mobile internet connections grew by 65%, with 4G coverage expanding eightfold. Key players, Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia, have been instrumental in driving this growth through expanded mobile internet access and increased competition in the telecom market. 

By 2028, over 50 million Ethiopians – nearly double today’s figures – are expected to be connected to mobile internet, according to the report. Increased connectivity will drive growth across sectors like agriculture, adding ETB 140 billion, and manufacturing, contributing ETB 114 billion by 2028 

However, a substantial usage gap persists, with 76% of the population still not using mobile internet despite living within network coverage. Bridging this gap, particularly the 40% gender disparity in mobile internet use, is crucial for Ethiopia’s digital future. With targeted policy reforms, this gap could shrink to 66% by 2028, bringing millions more Ethiopians online. 

Mobile money, with 90 million registered accounts and 70% penetration, is a crucial driver of financial inclusion. As these services grow, they will play an increasingly important role in boosting both digital and financial inclusion, further contributing to the country’s economic development. 

To fully harness the potential of digitalisation in Ethiopia, the GSMA outlines several critical policy recommendations, including: 

1. Prioritise service affordability —Reducing sector-specific taxes will go a long way toward addressing the affordability of mobile service in Ethiopia.  
2. Fast-Track Telecom Reforms: Streamline Rights of Way and planning approvals to accelerate infrastructure development. 
3. Improve Device Affordability: Reducing taxes and customs duties on mobile devices will help make smartphones more affordable for low-income households, enabling more Ethiopians to access mobile internet services. 
4. Expand Mobile Money Services: Strengthening regulatory support for mobile money services is essential to boosting financial inclusion. Ethiopia has already made significant strides, with over 90 million registered mobile accounts by 2024. 
5. Boost Digital Skills and Government Services: Supporting digital literacy and expanding e-government services will help increase adoption of digital technologies, particularly among underserved communities such as rural populations and women. 

Digitalisation is key to advancing Ethiopia’s Vision 2025. Mobile technologies will boost productivity in agriculture and other sectors, creating new opportunities across the country. 

Ethiopia is well-positioned to be a digital leader in East Africa. By implementing strategic reforms and improving access to digital tools and services, Ethiopia can unlock unprecedented opportunities for economic and social development. This will benefit not only the economy but also the millions of Ethiopians who stand to gain from greater digital inclusion.

Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA