September 18, 2025, Kinshasa: A new report released today by the GSMA in theDigital Africa Summit It reveals that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could unlock CDF 9.8 billion in additional GDP contribution and connect 9.7 million more unique mobile internet users by 2029 if specific policy and infrastructure reforms are implemented.
Titled “Promote economic growth through digital transformation in RDC”, the report describes how a digitally enabled economy driven by mobile infrastructure can be a catalyst for growth, inclusion and productivity in key sectors such as agriculture, mining and public services.
A young and connected population faced structural barriers
The RDC houses more than 100 million people, with a youth population and a growing demand for digital services. Mobile phones are the most used tool to access the Internet, and mobile money has become a life line for millions in an economy that would not otherwise be united.
However, despite this impulse, only 45% of the population is currently covered by mobile internet, and affordability remains a significant barrier. Mobile devices and data plans are beyond the reach of many, and rural areas suffer from weak infrastructure and inconsistent electricity access. The mobile sector itself is loaded with complex fiscal regimes and regulatory inefficiencies that suffocate greater investment.
If they are addressed, these challenges could unlock a powerful economic engine for the country. The GSMA report provides a road map so that the political leaders and industry leaders do exactly that.
A call to policy reform
The report emphasizes that the directed tax and regulatory reforms are essential to unlock this growth potential. The contribution of the mobile sector to the total GDP in the RDC was estimated at USD 63-64 billion in 2022 and USD 66 billion in 2023. Mobile operators in the RDC currently face a complex fiscal environment that defies the sustainability of investment. Simplify and harmonize taxes, increase access to renewable energy for telecommunications infrastructure and guarantee affordable access to the spectrum will be the key growth enablers.
The report recommends a national collaborative framework to accelerate inclusive digital growth, anchored in five urgent priorities:
- Modernize fiscal frameworks: Rationalize and simplify sector taxes to reduce consumer prices and encourage investment.
- Strengthen Digital and Energy Infrastructure Planning: Coordinate energy and telecommunications policies to overcome rural access gaps.
- Accelerate the development of digital skills: Prepare citizens for digital participation through public-private associations.
- Expand access to spectrum and reform licenses: Ensure the availability of affordable spectrum with transparent and friendly processes with investment.
- Take advantage of the mobile for the provision of public services: Integrates mobile platforms in education, medical care and government services to increase scope and efficiency.
Prominent key to the report:
- CDF 9.8 billion in additional GDP contribution by 2029, compared to CDF 4.3 billion in 2021.
- 9.7 million new mobile internet users wait between 2021 and 2029.
- More than 8.6 billion CDF in economic value could be unlocked in the mining, agriculture and public service sectors through the adoption of mobile technologies.
- There is a significant opportunity to reduce the connectivity gap through spectrum reform and the most specific energy policies.
Angela Wamola, director of Africa in GSMAsaying: “The Democratic Republic of the Congo has the opportunity to jump to a digital economy. But to fully carry out this potential, reforms in fiscal policy, spectrum management and energy infrastructure must be prioritized. The mobile industry is ready to associate with the government to offer inclusive growth and driven by technology.”
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About GSMA
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