DRC数字经济报告

Driving DigitalTransformationin the DRCOpportunities, policyreforms and the roleof mobile GSMA The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobileecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovationfoundational to positive business environments andsocietal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power ofconnectivity so that people, industry and society thrive.Representing mobile operators and organisations acrossthe mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMAdelivers for its members across three broad pillars:Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutionsand Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy,tackling today’s biggest societal challenges, underpinningthe technology and interoperability that make mobile workand providing the world’s largest platform to convene themobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.We invite you to find out more at www.gsma.comFollow the GSMA on Twitter/X: @GSMA Through Line Advisors Through Line Advisors was created in 2022 to bringtogether a group of expert advisors who – although theycome from different fields - are all committed to deliveringthe highest quality of work for clients. The companyincludes expertise in economics, finance and strategyacross a very wide range of sectors and situations. Everyonewho works at Through Line has a single-minded focus ondelivering the best possible advice to clients.Email: info@throughlineadvisors.comPhone: +44 (0) 203 813 0976Copyright Through Line Advisors Ltd.85 Great Portland StreetLondon W1W 7LT Authors: Matthew Harrison Harvey, Through Line AdvisorsDaniel Pate, Through Line AdvisorsGaia Penteriani, Through Line AdvisorsMark Williams, Through Line AdvisorsAngela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMACaroline Mbugua, HSC, Senior Director, Public Policy and Communications, GSMAJimmy-Christel Ngoma, Senior Policy Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA Contents 1.Executive Summary42.Digital Economy Framework6A.Introduction7B.How does the digital economy drive development?7C.The role of the mobile telecoms sector in the digital economy9D.This study103.The Economy of DRC12A.Overview of the economy of the DRC13B.DRC’s economic strategy154.The Overall Economic Impact of the Mobile Sector16A.Current contribution of the mobile sector to the economy of DRC17B.The potential economic impact of further digitalisation in DRC175.The Telecommunications Sector in DRC32A.Sector Overview33B.Policy challenges41C.Modelling future developments in the telecoms sector526.Policy Recommendations587.Appendix: Coverage Modelling62 1.Executive Summary With its large population and endowment of natural resources, the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC) has huge potential for growth and development. However, the country also faces a wide rangeof economic and security challenges that will need to be addressed if it is to succeed in implementingits national development goals. Digital technology plays a key role in overcoming these challenges and supporting national growthand development. The government of the DRC recognises this and it is reflected in the NationalAction Plan, the National Digital Plan Horizon 2025, and the recently approved World Bank DigitalTransformation Project.1 The digital economy in the DRC is already a significant part of the overall national economy. Thetelecoms industry is a significant component of national GDP and contributor to governmentrevenues. However, the economic contribution of digitalisation could be much greater than just thetelecoms sector. Digitalisation will improve productivity and support investment. It will improve thequality and coverage of public services and improve public revenue collection. Examples from other African countries show the effect that such initiatives have had in key sectorssuch as agriculture and mining. When it comes to the public sector, many governments in Africahave embraced digital technologies as a means of enhancing public service delivery. Such digitaltechnologies could have a major impact on the performance of the public sector in the DRC. The telecommunications sector in the DRC is competitive and dynamic. Mobile Network Operators(MNOs) are investing in expanded coverage and improving digital services. However, despite this,mobile coverage is low by regional standards, reflecting the high cost of building and operatingnetworks. MNOs face additional challenges dealing with the tax framework for the sector which is very complex,with numerous taxes being levied at multiple levels of government. This raises the overall tax burdenand increases the cost of compliance and reporting. An improved tax and regulatory environmentwould reduce operators’ costs, which would allow them to invest more into network coverage. Device affordability is another major challenge for many Congolese, with smartphone penetrationlower than other African countries. If the prices of devices and terminals could be reduced, it wouldincrease broadband adoption. Looking ahead