• Congo’s digital transformation could generate CFA870 billion ($1.5 billion) in economic value by 2030, according to GSMA.
• The shift could create more than 144,000 jobs and connect an additional 540,000 people to mobile internet.
• GSMA says coordinated fiscal, regulatory and demand-side reforms remain essential to unlock the sector’s full potential.

Digital technologies are set to reshape African economies over the coming years, with expected effects on productivity, employment and access to public services. Against this backdrop, the Republic of Congo’s digital transformation could generate about CFA870 billion ($1.5 billion) in additional economic value by 2030, create more than 144,000 jobs and connect roughly 540,000 additional people to mobile internet, according to a report that the GSM Association (GSMA) published on Monday, June 22.

The report, titled “Drive Digital Transformation of the Economy in the Republic of Congo,” highlights the central role of digital technologies in the country’s future growth. The report identifies mobile connectivity, digital financial services and the gradual digitization of productive sectors as key growth drivers.

“The Republic of Congo has built a strong foundation in mobile connectivity, but closing the usage gap now requires coordinated fiscal, regulatory and demand-side reforms,” GSMA said.

The organization added that a more investment-friendly environment remains necessary to unlock the full economic potential of digital technologies.

Digital Adoption Remains Limited Despite Strong Coverage

Congo has achieved relatively advanced network coverage, with about 86% of the population covered by 4G networks. However, actual usage remains low. Only 19% of the population uses mobile internet, while about 70% of people living within network coverage remain offline.

This imbalance highlights an adoption challenge rather than an infrastructure deficit. Congo scored 26 out of 100 in the GSMA Digital Nations and Society Index 2025. The country scored 33 out of 100 for its policy and regulatory environment, reflecting a framework that remains insufficiently supportive of digital growth.

GSMA estimates that digitalization could increase the number of mobile internet users to approximately 2.2 million by 2030, representing nearly 31% of Congo’s population.

At the same time, digital expansion could generate significant fiscal benefits. GSMA projects a net fiscal impact of about CFA93 billion in 2030 through improved tax collection efficiency and a broader economic base. The report estimates cumulative tax revenues of CFA174 billion over the period.

GSMA expects digital technologies to affect every major sector of Congo’s economy, including agriculture, industry, services, trade, transport, financial services and public administration. The expansion of mobile money and digital services should strengthen financial inclusion, particularly in areas where access to traditional banking services remains limited. Meanwhile, the digitization of value chains should improve productivity, reduce transaction costs and expand market access for businesses and consumers.

To realize this potential, the report calls for a series of structural reforms. The recommendations include strengthening the investment environment for digital infrastructure, improving regulatory and tax frameworks, and reducing the cost of smartphones and mobile data services. GSMA also stresses the importance of developing digital skills and strengthening trust in digital services through appropriate cybersecurity policies.

Samira Njoya