The Mobile Economy Latin America 2022 74383738

As the world emerges from the pandemic, digital connectivity is underpinning innovative applications for consumers and new business models for enterprises. A priority for governments in Latin America and elsewhere is to drive economic recovery and promote sustainable development. Digital services and technologies are crucial to realising this objective, by stimulating economic growth, mobilising the workforce and enabling industrial efficiencies.

In 2021, mobile technologies and services generated 7.4% of GDP in Latin America – a contribution that amounted to more than $345 billion of economic value added. The mobile ecosystem also supported more than 1.6 million jobs (directly and indirectly) and made a substantial contribution to the funding of the public sector, with almost $30 billion raised through taxes on the sector.

In Latin America, mobile connectivity remains the main form of internet connectivity, particularly as - for many - it is the only form of connectivity. At the end of 2021, the number of mobile internet users in Latin America exceeded 380 million, equating to 60% of the population. However, another 36% live in areas covered by mobile broadband networks but do not use mobile internet services (known as the usage gap). Addressing the main barriers to mobile internet adoption, including affordability, safety and security, and knowledge and digital skills, will extend the benefits of the internet and digital technology to more people in society.