Targeted policy reforms could bring an additional 1.07 million Rwandans online by 2031, according to a new report by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA).
The study, Rwanda digital Economy: Policy reforms that will drive Rwanda’s digital future, finds that these interventions could generate an estimated net annual fiscal benefit of RWF 218 billion ($148 million) by 2031.
Under the proposed changes, the number of unique mobile internet subscribers is projected to be 22.1% higher than if the country continues without intervention.
These findings highlight a widening gap between the country's extensive network infrastructure and its actual mobile internet adoption.
While Rwanda's 4G networks cover about 96% of the population and 3G reaches 99%, only 21% of the population were unique mobile internet subscribers in 2025.
The GSMA argues that this disparity points to usage barriers that go far beyond network availability. Instead, adoption is stalled by the high cost of smartphones, limited digital skills, and a shortage of relevant digital services or local content.
"Rwanda has built a strong digital foundation, but too many people still face barriers to using it," said Angela Wamola, head of Africa at the GSMA. "The next step is to make smartphones more affordable and ensure people have the skills and confidence to access services that matter to them. By focusing on the needs of lower-income and rural households, Rwanda can help more people benefit from connectivity and participate in its digital future."
To close the adoption gap, the report recommends expanding private-sector device financing options structured specifically for lower-income and rural households, while assessing whether recent tax adjustments are actively improving smartphone affordability.
It also calls for practical digital-skills programmes focused on everyday applications, alongside expanding Kinyarwanda-language content and digital government services.
These recommendations come at a critical time, as the rising cost of smartphone components threatens to make entry-level devices even less affordable in low- and middle-income markets, potentially adding another hurdle to mobile internet adoption.
However, the GSMA said the long-term economic gains of these interventions would far outweigh the immediate costs, with the modelled boost to economic activity comfortably offsetting the cost of targeted tax reductions and affordability measures.
Share
