Rwanda Plans to Add 1.07 Million Mobile Internet Users by 2031 Through Device and Digital Services Reform

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 17, the GSMA released the report "Rwanda Digital Economy: Policy reforms that will drive Rwanda's digital future," proposing that by lowering barriers to smartphone use, strengthening digital skills training, expanding local digital content, and optimizing the network investment environment, Rwanda could add approximately 1.07 million unique mobile internet users by 2031, 22.1% higher than the forecast level without implementing the relevant reforms.

Rwanda's mobile network coverage is already relatively high, with 4G network coverage reaching about 96% of the population and 3G coverage at 99%, but in 2025 unique mobile internet users accounted for only about 21% of the total population. The GSMA identifies device prices, digital skills, and service relevance as the main factors currently affecting mobile internet usage rates, and the policy focus is shifting from continuing to expand basic coverage to increasing the actual usage rate of existing networks.

The report proposes four key measures, including expanding device financing options for low-income and rural users, strengthening practical digital skills training, increasing Kinyarwanda-language digital content and government digital services, and adjusting policy arrangements among service quality, network investment, and device affordability. The GSMA also proposes assessing the impact of recent tax changes on smartphone purchase costs and adopting targeted tax reduction measures where there is clear evidence.

On the network side, the GSMA proposes that the sustainability of mobile infrastructure investment needs to be maintained, with particular attention to the impact of electricity costs on base station operating expenses and end-user tariffs. Rwanda has already achieved a relatively high level of 4G coverage, and the focus of subsequent mobile communications construction will be more on network capacity, service quality, and usage rates in rural areas, rather than simply expanding basic coverage.

According to GSMA estimates, if the relevant reforms are implemented, new mobile internet usage and digital economic activity could bring about 218 billion Rwandan francs in annual net fiscal revenue by 2031, and the related incremental gains could offset part of the cost of tax and affordability support measures for devices and digital services.

Rwanda is also advancing the generational migration of its mobile networks. The government previously determined that the 3G network would be shut down on June 30, 2027, and plans to stop 2G services in December 2028 once conditions are ripe, further shifting spectrum and network investment toward 4G and 5G. This GSMA policy proposal aligns with the existing pace of network upgrading, focusing on addressing the mobile internet usage gap that still exists despite high coverage rates.