Barcelona, 3 March 2025 G6 Mobile Network Operators Reaffirm Commitment to Digital and Energy Transformation at MWC25 Barcelona Despite significant progress in mobile internet penetration across Sub-Saharan Africa, a substantial usage gap of 60% persists, leaving 710 million people within network coverage but unable to access digital services due to barriers such as device affordability. At MWC25 Barcelona, the Africa Group of Six (G6) Mobile Network Operators—Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethiotel, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom—reconvened to assess progress, reinforce commitments, and outline strategic actions to accelerate digital and energy transformation across the continent. Under the theme “Strategic Partnerships for Accelerating Digital Transformation in Africa,” the meeting brought together key stakeholders from the telecommunications industry, global institutions, and the public sector to drive coordinated action towards sustainable investment and inclusive digital growth. Advancing Digital and Financial Inclusion Through Policy and Investment The G6, in collaboration with the GSMA, has made significant strides in its three core priorities: Fiscal Policy Reforms, Closing the Investment Gap, and Environmental Sustainability. These initiatives highlight the importance of strategic partnerships, data-driven advocacy, and evidence-based policymaking in overcoming affordability challenges and ensuring sustainable investments to bridge the digital divide. Aligned with global efforts to create more inclusive digital economies, the G6 has supported the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in advocating for 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 driving fiscal policies that enhance smartphone affordability. The G6 urges stronger governmental engagement in adopting tax policies that support digital and financial inclusion for low-income populations. Recognizing the urgent need for robust broadband infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions, the G6 has worked 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 ensuring fair contributions from Large Traffic Originators and Non-Terrestrial Networks (e.g., satellites) to foster a balanced digital ecosystem. These efforts align with Africa’s broader economic agenda, reinforcing the role of digitalization in fostering economic resilience and inclusion. Acknowledging the interdependence of digital transformation and energy access, the G6 has aligned with initiatives such as Mission 300, led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank (AfDB), to expand electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030. The telecom sector remains committed to reducing its carbon footprint by integrating green energy solutions into operations, particularly in off-grid and underserved areas, as outlined in the “Rural Renewal: Telcos and Sustainable Energy in Africa” report. Strategic Actions for 2025 and Beyond To further its commitment to bridging Africa’s digital divide, the G6 has agreed to the following strategic actions: The G6’s gathering in Barcelona underscores a collective commitment to accelerating Africa’s digital transformation through strategic partnerships, regulatory advocacy, and sustainable solutions. As the continent navigates the challenges of digital and energy access, the G6 reaffirms its readiness to work alongside governments, global institutions, and industry players to drive inclusive growth and ensure that no one in Africa is left behind. ABOUT AXIAN TELECOM AXIAN Telecom is a pan-African telecommunications service provider operating in nine markets through its subsidiaries and affiliates in Tanzania, Madagascar, Togo, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Réunion, Mayotte, and the Comoros. It operates across three key business segments, providing mobile and fixed networks as well as digital infrastructure and mobile financial services. AXIAN Telecom has unified its mobile network operators in Madagascar, Comoros, Togo, Senegal and Tanzania under a single brand, Yas, while its fintech operations in Tanzania, Togo and Senegal are now branded Mixx by Yas. The Yas brand aligns to AXIAN Telcom’s aim to create a pan-African powerhouse which brings a more streamlined customer experience and innovations that are solutions driven with real impact. Yas positions itself as a trusted partner, dedicated to helping customers unlock their digital potential. By uniting its operations under one brand, AXIAN Telecom can better serve its customers leveraging the combined resources and assets of a strong, unified pan-African business under one brand. AXIAN Telecom is Africa’s 6th largest mobile operator serving more than 42 million customers and is a market disruptor, having expanded through active acquisitions and heavy network investments since 2015. We systematically ensure that our businesses have a sustainable and positive impact on the daily lives of millions of people. Find more about AXIAN Telecom: www.axian-telecom.com
