Digital Reforms Could Connect 9.7 Million More Congolese and Add CDF 9.8 trillion to GDP by 2029 in DRC, GSMA Report Reveals

18 September 2025, Kinshasa: A new report launched today by the GSMA at the Digital Africa Summit reveals that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)  could unlock CDF 9.8 trillion in additional GDP contribution and connect 9.7 million more unique mobile internet users  by 2029 if targeted policy and infrastructure reforms are implemented.

Titled "Driving Economic Growth through Digital Transformation in DRC", the report outlines how a digitally enabled economy powered by mobile infrastructure can be a catalyst for growth, inclusion, and productivity across key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and public services.

A young, connected population facing structural barriers

The DRC is home to more than 100 million people, with a youthful population and rising demand for digital services. Mobile phones are the most widely used tool for accessing the internet, and mobile money has become a lifeline for millions in an otherwise underbanked economy.

However, despite this momentum, only 45% of the population is currently covered by mobile internet, and affordability remains a significant barrier. Mobile devices and data plans are out of reach for many, and rural areas suffer from weak infrastructure and inconsistent electricity access. The mobile sector itself is burdened by complex tax regimes and regulatory inefficiencies that stifle further investment.

If addressed, these challenges could unlock a powerful economic engine for the country. The GSMA report provides a roadmap for policymakers and industry leaders to do just that.

A call for policy reform

The report emphasises that targeted fiscal and regulatory reforms are essential to unlocking this growth potential. The mobile sector's contribution to total GDP in the DRC was estimated at USD 63-64 billion in 2022 and USD 66 billion in 2023. Mobile operators in the DRC currently face a complex taxation environment that challenges the sustainability of investment. Simplifying and harmonising taxes, increasing access to renewable energy for telecom infrastructure, and ensuring affordable access to spectrum will be key enablers of growth.

The report recommends a collaborative national framework to accelerate inclusive digital growth, anchored on five urgent priorities:

• Modernise fiscal frameworks: Streamline and simplify sector taxes to drive down consumer prices and incentivise investment.

• Strengthen digital and energy infrastructure planning: Coordinate energy and telecom policies to overcome rural access gaps.

• Accelerate digital skills development: Prepare citizens for digital participation through public-private partnerships.

• Expand spectrum access and reform licensing: Ensure affordable spectrum availability with transparent, investment-friendly processes.

• Leverage mobile for public service delivery: Integrate mobile platforms into education, healthcare, and government services to increase reach and efficiency.

Key highlights from the report:

• CDF 9.8 trillion in additional GDP contribution by 2029, up from CDF 4.3 trillion in 2021.

• 9.7 million new mobile internet users expected between 2021 and 2029.

• Over CDF 8.6 trillion in economic value could be unlocked in the mining, agriculture, and public service sectors through the adoption of mobile technologies.

• A significant opportunity exists to reduce the connectivity gap through spectrum reform and more targeted energy policies.

Angela Wamola, Head of Africa at GSMA, said: "The Democratic Republic of Congo has the opportunity to leapfrog into a digital-led economy. But to fully realise this potential, reforms in fiscal policy, spectrum management, and energy infrastructure must be prioritised. The mobile industry stands ready to partner with government to deliver inclusive, technology-driven growth."

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About GSMA  

The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling today's biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.

We invite you to find out more at gsma.com

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