In 2025, mobile technologies and services generated $240 billion in economic value for Nigeria and other African countries, according to the GSMA. This figure represents 7.8 percent of the regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector supported approximately 13 million jobs and contributed $45 billion in public revenues, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of Africa's digital economy.
Projected growth by 2030
By 2030, this contribution is projected to rise to $290 billion, driven by the expansion of 4G and 5G networks, enterprise digitalisation, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). These insights were revealed by the GSMA in its report titled 'The Mobile Economy Africa 2026'.
Nigeria's leading role
At the heart of this transformation lies Nigeria, the continent's largest mobile market. Operators in Nigeria are moving beyond traditional connectivity to become full-stack digital partners for enterprises, governments, and millions of citizens. The GSMA observed that Nigeria has long been a leader in mobile adoption, with mobile money, fintech innovation, and digital platforms transforming financial inclusion and commerce.
However, the challenge remains stark. While coverage has expanded, the usage gap—the difference between those covered by mobile broadband and those actually online—remains Africa's defining digital hurdle. Across the continent, 63 percent of the population is covered but not connected, compared to just nine percent without coverage. In Nigeria, affordability of devices, digital literacy, and social barriers continue to slow adoption.
Closing the usage gap
Closing this gap is critical. The GSMA report highlighted that infrastructure alone cannot solve the problem. Policies that reduce device costs, expand digital skills, and address social barriers are essential for bridging the digital divide.
Federal Government calls for collaboration
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, state governments, the private sector, and development partners to accelerate Nigeria's digital transformation. Deeper partnerships are essential to unlocking the country's digital economy and creating new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and improved public service delivery.
The call was made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, at the Digital Transformation Summit organised by Galaxy Backbone in Abuja as part of activities marking the organisation's 20th anniversary. Akume stated that Nigeria's future economic competitiveness, public service delivery, and national prosperity will increasingly depend on how effectively technology is deployed, stressing that digital transformation must become a shared national project.
“The future of governments will be digital. The future of economic competitiveness will be digital. The future of public service delivery will be digital,” the SGF said.
