Mbugua highlighted that millions of Africans are technically connected yet remain offline, a phenomenon GSMA categorizes as the "usage gap." Approximately 790 million people fall into this category due to factors such as device and service affordability, limited digital literacy, and a lack of relevant content. Meanwhile, around 120 million Africans remain outside mobile broadband coverage entirely, concentrated in rural and hard-to-reach regions. Addressing these gaps requires coordinated policy, enabling regulations, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Affordability as a Driver of AdoptionMbugua emphasized that affordability is one of the most significant barriers to digital adoption. High taxation and infrastructure costs limit access to entry-level smartphones and mobile services. She cited South Africa's removal of the luxury goods tax on devices under R2500 as a concrete example of policy enabling wider adoption of entry-level devices, demonstrating how regulatory interventions can support broader digital inclusion.
Child Online Protection and Safe Digital SpacesThe launch of the Africa Task Force on Child Online Protection was another key highlight of MWC Kigali. Co-hosted by GSMA and UNICEF, the initiative aims to ensure Africa's digital growth is safe for children. The task force prioritizes actionable implementation of existing policies and frameworks, holding stakeholders accountable while creating safe online environments for the continent's youngest users.
