{"id":23979,"date":"2025-09-18T15:01:51","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T14:01:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/newsroom\/?p=23979"},"modified":"2025-09-18T15:02:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T14:02:12","slug":"digital-reforms-could-connect-9-7-million-more-congolese-and-add-cdf-9-8-trillion-to-gdp-by-2029-in-drc-gsma-report-reveals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/newsroom\/press-release\/digital-reforms-could-connect-9-7-million-more-congolese-and-add-cdf-9-8-trillion-to-gdp-by-2029-in-drc-gsma-report-reveals\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital Reforms Could Connect\u00a09.7\u00a0Million\u00a0More Congolese and Add CDF 9.8\u00a0trillion\u00a0to GDP by 2029 in DRC, GSMA Report Reveals\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

18 September 2025, Kinshasa: <\/strong>A new report launched today by the GSMA at the\u202fDigital Africa Summit <\/strong>reveals that the\u202fDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC) \u202fcould unlock\u202fCDF 9.8 trillion in additional GDP contribution\u202fand connect 9.7 million more unique mobile internet users\u202f by 2029 if targeted policy and infrastructure reforms are implemented. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Titled\u202f\u201cDriving Economic Growth through Digital Transformation in DRC<\/a>\u201d, 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\u202fagriculture,\u202fmining, and\u202fpublic services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A young, connected population facing structural barriers<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The DRC is home to more than\u202f100 million people, with a\u202fyouthful 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\u00a0lifeline for millions in an otherwise underbanked economy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, despite this momentum,\u202fonly 45% of the population is currently covered by mobile internet, and\u202faffordability 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\u202fcomplex tax regimes\u202fand regulatory inefficiencies that stifle further investment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A call for policy reform<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report emphasises that targeted\u202ffiscal and regulatory reforms\u202fare essential to unlocking this growth potential. The mobile sector\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report recommends a collaborative national framework to accelerate inclusive digital growth, anchored on five urgent priorities: <\/p>\n\n\n\n