African governments have been urged to elevate the telecommunications sector to the centre of economic planning and implement tax reforms aimed at accelerating digital inclusion across the continent.
The call was made during the inaugural États Généraux du Secteur des Postes et Télécommunications held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The forum, which brought together policymakers and industry leaders, sought to chart a strategic roadmap for the growth of Africa’s digital and telecommunications landscape.
Speaking at the event, Airtel Africa Chief Regulatory Officer and Chair of the GSMA Africa Policy Group, Daddy Mukadi, challenged governments and stakeholders to rethink the positioning of telecommunications in national development frameworks. He stressed that the sector should no longer be viewed as merely supportive, but rather as a fundamental driver of economic transformation.
Mukadi noted that telecommunications now underpins virtually every sector of the economy, including security, finance, transport, and healthcare, all of which increasingly rely on digital infrastructure to grow and innovate.
His remarks come at a time when Africa’s digital economy is gaining momentum but still faces significant challenges. According to the GSMA Mobile Economy Africa 2025 report, the mobile sector contributed approximately US$220 billion to Africa’s economy in 2024, representing 7.7 per cent of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This figure is projected to rise to US$270 billion by 2030.
Despite this growth, a substantial digital divide persists. While mobile network coverage now reaches about 95 per cent of the population, nearly three-quarters of Africans remain offline. The GSMA attributes this gap largely to the high cost of internet-enabled devices, which remains a major barrier to connectivity.
To address this challenge, Mukadi called for targeted policy and regulatory reforms to make digital services more accessible. He proposed temporary tax relief measures, including a two- to three-year exemption on import duties for entry-level smartphones priced between US$40 and US$150. Such a move, he argued, would significantly lower the cost barrier for millions of potential users.
In addition, he recommended the suspension of import taxes on telecommunications equipment for at least three years to support the expansion of network infrastructure and improve service coverage, particularly in underserved areas.
Mukadi emphasised that these interventions would not only enhance access to affordable technology but also promote inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development. Improved connectivity, he said, would enable more individuals, businesses, and communities to participate actively in the digital economy.
He further underscored the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector in building a conducive regulatory environment. Such a framework, he noted, should foster innovation, safeguard consumer interests, and attract long-term investment into the sector.
As Africa continues its digital transformation journey, stakeholders at the Kinshasa forum agreed that bold policy decisions and strategic partnerships will be key to unlocking the continent’s full digital potential.
