G6 Mobile Operators Drive Africa’s Digital Transformation at MWC25

Despite progress of mobile internet penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa, a substantial usage gap of 60% remains. This gap represents 710 million people who live within network coverage but face barriers such as device affordability. The Africa Group of Six (G6) Mobile Network Operators – Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethiotel, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom – reconvened at MWC25 Barcelona to assess progress, reinforce commitments, and outline strategic actions to advance digital and energy transformation across Africa. Under the theme “Strategic Partnerships for Accelerating Digital Transformation in Africa” the meeting gathered key stakeholders from the telecommunications industry, global institutions, and the public sector to drive coordinated action towards sustainable investment.

The G6, in collaboration with the GSMA, has made significant progress on its original three core priorities: Fiscal Policy Reforms, Closing the Investment Gap, and Environmental Sustainability. These initiatives underscore the role of strategic partnerships, data-driven advocacy, and evidence-based policymaking in addressing Africa’s affordability challenges critical to ensure the sustainability of the investment necessary to close the digital divide.

1. Fiscal Policy Reforms for Digital and Financial Inclusion

In alignment with global efforts to create more inclusive digital economies, it has actively supported the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in promoting sustainable tax policies. The expansion of UNECA’s report, “Reduction of Taxes for Low-end Smart Devices and Data in Select African Countries,” to cover 52 African nations underscores the commitment to advocating for fiscal policies that improve smartphone affordability and narrow the digital divide. The G6 calls for stronger governmental engagement to adopt policies that enhance digital and financial inclusion for low-income populations.

2. Closing the Investment Gap for Digital and Energy Infrastructure

The G6 recognises that bridging Africa’s digital divide requires robust investment in broadband infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions. Under the G6 mandate, the GSMA has engaged with global partners, including the World Bank Group, ITU, and GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition, to enhance access to affordable internet-enabled devices. Additionally, the G6 has developed regulatory principles for fair contributions from Large Traffic Originators and Non-Terrestrial Networks (e.g., satellites) to ensure a more balanced digital ecosystem. These efforts align with Africa’s broader economic growth agenda, reinforcing the role of digitalization in fostering economic resilience and inclusion.
3. Environmental Sustainability and Energy Access

With digital transformation deeply intertwined with energy access, the G6 through the GSMA has aligned with initiatives such as Mission 300, spearheaded by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank (AfDB), to expand electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. The telecom sector is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and championing sustainable energy solutions. The report “Rural Renewal: Telcos and Sustainable Energy in Africa” outlines pathways for telecom operators to integrate green energy solutions into their operations, particularly in off-grid and underserved areas.

Strategic Actions for 2025 and Beyond

To reinforce its commitment to closing Africa’s digital divide, the G6 has agreed on the following actions:

1. Strengthen collaboration with ministries of finance, the World Bank and the IMF, to highlight the mobile industry’s impact on economic growth. Advocacy for sector-specific tax removal on low-end smart devices and mobile money usage is critical to sustainably address the barriers for digital and financial inclusion.
2. Promote the mobile sectors’ value addition and enablement effect to the GDP of our economies and the regulatory frameworks that attract equitable investment and partnerships to close the coverage gap which impacts 710 million people who do not have access to mobile internet. The sector continues to welcome innovative technologies addressing this challenge to reach terrestrial and non-terrestrial places to ensure that we leave no one behind and offline.
3. Infrastructure sharing across digital ecosystem players in the age of emerging technologies such as AI is essential for the continent to benefit from the enablement opportunity to bridge the digital divide for socio-economic development.

The G6’s meeting in Barcelona underscores a collective commitment to accelerating Africa’s digital transformation through strategic partnerships, regulatory advocacy, and sustainable solutions. As Africa navigates the dual challenges of digital and energy access, the G6 reaffirms its readiness to work with governments, global institutions, and industry players to drive inclusive growth, reduce the digital divide to leave no one behind in Africa.