GSMA: Addressing connectivity barriers could unlock $170 billion GDP for Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to the world's youngest and fastest-growing population. However, the region also faces significant challenges in terms of connectivity. According to the GSMA, 60% of the population still does not have access to the internet. This lack of connectivity is a major barrier to economic growth and development.

The economic benefits of connectivity

There is a growing body of evidence that shows that connectivity has a positive impact on economic growth. A study by the World Bank found that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can lead to a 1.38% increase in GDP per capita.

Connectivity can also lead to increased productivity, innovation, and job creation. For example, a study by the International Telecommunication Union found that businesses that use broadband internet are more likely to innovate and create new products and services.

The challenges to connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa

There are a number of factors that contribute to the lack of connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. These include:

• Insufficient infrastructure: The cost of building and maintaining broadband networks is high, and this can be a major barrier to entry for telecommunications companies.
• Lack of affordability: The cost of broadband services is often too high for many people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Lack of awareness: Many people in Sub-Saharan Africa are not aware of the benefits of connectivity.
• Digital divide: There is a growing digital divide between urban and rural areas in Sub-Saharan Africa. Rural areas are often less likely to have access to broadband services.

The GSMA's recommendations

The GSMA has developed a number of recommendations to address the challenges to connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. These include:

• Investing in infrastructure: The GSMA recommends that governments and telecommunications companies invest in building and expanding broadband networks.
• Making broadband affordable: The GSMA recommends that governments and telecommunications companies work together to make broadband services more affordable for people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Raising awareness of the benefits of connectivity: The GSMA recommends that governments and telecommunications companies work together to raise awareness of the benefits of connectivity.
• Bridging the digital divide: The GSMA recommends that governments and telecommunications companies work together to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

Conclusion

The GSMA's study shows that addressing connectivity barriers could unlock $170 billion GDP for Sub-Saharan Africa. This is a significant opportunity for economic growth and development. The GSMA's recommendations provide a roadmap for how to achieve this goal.