African Mobile Operators to Invest $76 Billion by 2030 as Internet Use Lags at 36%
Updated
Updated · citizen.digital · Aug 24
African Mobile Operators to Invest $76 Billion by 2030 as Internet Use Lags at 36%
2 articles · Updated · citizen.digital · Aug 24
Summary
$76 billion in planned network spending between 2024 and 2030 is aimed at improving the reliable connectivity Africa’s digital businesses need to keep users online and complete payments.
$240 billion—7.8% of GDP—came from mobile technologies and services in 2025, with that contribution projected to rise to $290 billion by 2030 as operators expand towers, spectrum and network capacity.
36% of Africans used the internet in 2025 versus 74% worldwide, showing that coverage alone is not enough when data remains expensive and many users still lack capable devices.
64% high-speed coverage in Eastern and Southern Africa translated into only 24% internet use in 2023, underscoring the gap between network reach and actual adoption, especially outside major cities.
Zambia’s mobile-money growth—from K3.6 billion in payments in 2016 to K486.3 billion in 2024—shows how stronger connectivity paired with local payment rails can widen digital commerce and financial inclusion.