An alliance of the top six mobile network operators in Africa known as G6, is pushing for policy reforms to unlock an estimated $170 billion in GDP by 2030.
The Africa Group of Six (G6) mobile network operators—Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom—have also reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating Africa’s digital transformation through strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and infrastructure investment.
Meeting at MWC25 in Barcelona, the G6 emphasised the need to address the substantial usage gap affecting 710 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa who live within network coverage but face barriers such as device affordability.
The G6 mobile network operators have been working collaboratively with the GSMA to address Africa’s digital divide through three core priorities: fiscal policy reforms, closing the investment gap, and environmental sustainability. These initiatives are designed to ensure that digital transformation benefits all segments of society, particularly low-income populations.
G6: Africa’s digital transformation, not just about connectivity
“Africa’s digital transformation is not just about connectivity—it’s about creating opportunities for education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and economic growth,” the G6 says.
The G6 has actively supported the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in promoting sustainable tax policies. The expansion of UNECA’s report on reducing taxes for low-end smart devices and data in select African countries now covers 52 nations, underscoring the commitment to advocating for fiscal policies that improve smartphone affordability and narrow the digital divide.
“The G6 calls for stronger governmental engagement to adopt policies that enhance digital and financial inclusion for low-income populations,” the group emphasised.
The G6, in collaboration with the GSMA, they say in a statement, have made significant progress on its original three core priorities: Fiscal Policy Reforms, Closing the Investment Gap, and Environmental Sustainability. These initiatives underscore the role of strategic partnerships, data-driven advocacy, and evidence-based policymaking in addressing Africa’s affordability challenges critical to ensure the sustainability of the investment necessary to close the digital divide.
The G6 says its meeting in Barcelona underscores a collective commitment to accelerating Africa’s digital transformation through strategic partnerships, regulatory advocacy, and sustainable solutions. “As Africa navigates the dual challenges of digital and energy access, the G6 reaffirms its readiness to work with governments, global institutions, and industry players to drive inclusive growth, reduce the digital divide to leave no one behind in Africa,” the telecoms group says.
The G6 also outlines the following agenda:
1. Fiscal Policy Reforms for Digital and Financial Inclusion
In alignment with global efforts to create more inclusive digital economies, it has actively supported the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in promoting sustainable tax policies. The expansion of UNECA’s report, “Reduction of Taxes for Low-end Smart Devices and Data in Select African Countries,” to cover 52 African nations underscores the commitment to advocating for fiscal policies that improve smartphone affordability and narrow the digital divide. The G6 calls for stronger governmental engagement to adopt policies that enhance digital and financial inclusion for low-income populations.
2. Closing the Investment Gap for Digital and Energy Infrastructure
The G6 recognises that bridging Africa’s digital divide requires robust investment in broadband infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions. Under the G6 mandate, the GSMA has engaged with global partners, including the World Bank Group, ITU, and GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition, to enhance access to affordable internet-enabled devices. Additionally, the G6 has developed regulatory principles for fair contributions from Large Traffic Originators and Non-Terrestrial Networks (e.g., satellites) to ensure a more balanced digital ecosystem. These efforts align with Africa’s broader economic growth agenda, reinforcing the role of digitalization in fostering economic resilience and inclusion.
3. Environmental Sustainability and Energy Access
With digital transformation deeply intertwined with energy access, the G6 through the GSMA has aligned with initiatives such as Mission 300, spearheaded by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank (AfDB), to expand electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. The telecom sector is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and championing sustainable energy solutions. The report “Rural Renewal: Telcos and Sustainable Energy in Africa” outlines pathways for telecom operators to integrate green energy solutions into their operations, particularly in off-grid and underserved areas.
Strategic Actions for 2025 and Beyond
To reinforce its commitment to closing Africa’s digital divide, the G6 has agreed on the following actions:
- Strengthen collaboration with ministries of finance, the World Bank and the IMF, to highlight the mobile industry’s impact on economic growth. Advocacy for sector-specific tax removal on low-end smart devices and mobile money usage is critical to sustainably address the barriers for digital and financial inclusion.
- Promote the mobile sectors’ value addition and enablement effect to the GDP of our economies and the regulatory frameworks that attract equitable investment and partnerships to close the coverage gap which impacts 710 million people who do not have access to mobile internet. The sector continues to welcome innovative technologies addressing this challenge to reach terrestrial and non-terrestrial places to ensure that we leave no one behind and offline.
- Infrastructure sharing across digital ecosystem players in the age of emerging technologies such as AI is essential for the continent to benefit from the enablement opportunity to bridge the digital divide for socio-economic development.
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