Policy Reforms Could Unlock FCFA 870 Billion and 144,000 Jobs in Republic of Congo by 2030, New GSMA Report Finds

Targeted policy and regulatory reforms could unlock FCFA 870 billion in additional economic value, create over 144,000 jobs and connect more than 540,000 additional people to mobile internet services by 2030 in the Republic of Congo, according to a new GSMA  report.

The report, Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in the Republic of Congo, highlights how digitalisation – enabled by mobile connectivity and digital financial services such as mobile money – can accelerate productivity, strengthen public revenue mobilisation, and support economic diversification, in line with the Congo Digital Strategy 2030 and the National Development Plan 2022-2026.

“The Republic of the Congo has built a strong foundation in mobile connectivity, but bridging the usage gap now requires coordinated fiscal, regulatory and demand-side reforms. By creating a more predictable and investment-friendly environment, the country can unlock significant economic value, strengthen public revenue systems and accelerate inclusive digital transformation.”

– Caroline Mbugua, Senior Director, Public Policy & Communication, GSMA

High connectivity but usage gap persists

Unveiled at the GSMA’s Digital Africa Summit in Congo, the report shows that the Republic of the Congo has made strong progress in expanding digital infrastructure, with 86% of the population covered by 4G networks. However, only 19% of the population uses mobile internet, while 70% of those within coverage remain offline, highlighting a significant usage gap.

Smartphone adoption remains limited, reflecting affordability and accessibility barriers. While mobile money adoption is growing rapidly, affordability constraints, limited digital skills, and regulatory challenges continue to restrict broader digital uptake.

According to the GSMA Digital Nations and Society Index (2025), Congo scores 26 out of 100, with a Digital Policy and Regulatory Index score of 33 out of 100, underscoring the need to strengthen the enabling environment. Addressing these barriers will be critical to unlocking digital transformation across sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, transport, trade, healthcare, and public administration.

A strategic investment priority

Expanding 4G coverage from 89% to 97% of the population will require additional investment, supported by a more enabling policy environment. The report highlights the importance of treating the digital sector as a strategic investment priority and sets out a roadmap to unlock the country’s digital potential.

If implemented, the reforms could result in the following by 2030:

• Over 540,000 additional mobile internet users, bringing the total to approximately 2.2 million users (around 31% of the population)
• FCFA 870 billion in additional value added across key economic sectors and public services
  Over 144,000 new jobs created
• A net tax impact of approximately FCFA 93 billion in 2030, driven by broader economic growth and more efficient tax collection
• FCFA 174 billion in cumulative additional tax revenues over the period to 2030

A call for coordinated policy reform

The report identifies four priority reform areas to accelerate inclusive digital growth:

• Strengthen the infrastructure investment environment: Undertake market and competition reviews, enable technology-neutral and unified licensing, reform spectrum policy, reduce excessive regulatory and spectrum fees, improve energy coordination, streamline rights-of-way approvals, and enhance Universal Service Fund governance and transparency.
• Use digital technology to enhance government revenue and optimise sector taxation: Accelerate digital tax collection systems and cashless payments while reforming sector-specific taxes. Key recommendations include removing the tax on electronic communications (TTCE), reversing the CFA 10,000 SIM-enabled device tax, reducing levies on mobile money withdrawals, eliminating customs duties on entry-level smartphones, and improving tax predictability through structured consultation.
• Increase smartphone affordability and digital skills: Implement entry-level smartphone affordability programmes, expand digital literacy initiatives, accelerate e-government platforms, and strengthen cybersecurity and data protection frameworks to build trust.

Modernise the regulatory framework:

Fast-track review of electronic communications legislation, introduce technology-neutral licensing, establish frameworks for emerging digital services, enhance mobile money regulatory coordination, and develop a National AI Strategy aligned with continental priorities.