SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Why it matters

SDG 8 concentrates on promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The global economy is facing multiple challenges that can have a significant impact on growth. The persistent effects of Covid-19, cost-of-living crises, trade tensions, uncertain monetary policies, increasing debts in LMICs and the ongoing war in Ukraine all pose serious threats. These crises not only jeopardise employment and income but also hinder progress in achieving equitable pay for women and decent work opportunities for young people.

The industry’s contribution

As a general-purpose technology, mobile improves the utilisation of labour and capital and increases productivity. Studies by the ITU have shown that a 10% increase in mobile broadband penetration causes a 1.5–2.5% increase in GDP.^[34] In 2022, mobile technologies and services generated 5% of global GDP, a contribution that amounted to $5.2 trillion of economic value added.^[35] In particular, 5G will add almost $1 trillion to the global economy in 2030, with benefits spread across all industries.^[36]

Mobile technologies also enable the formalisation of the informal sector. For example, mobile financial services can facilitate more effective monetary policy by shifting currency and assets into the formal financial system. Transferring resources from the informal to formal economy makes monetary tools more effective and supports efforts to achieve macroeconomic stability.

Furthermore, mobile technologies support employment. In 2022, mobile operators and the wider mobile ecosystem provided direct employment to around 16 million people across the world; in addition, the industry indirectly supported another 12 million jobs by stimulating employment in other sectors.^[37] Mobile money also creates opportunities for individuals to partner with operators to manage agent outlets, generating an additional source of income. The GSMA estimates that the number of registered agents grew by over 40% in 2022, reaching 17 million.^[38]

SDG 8 mobile impact score

Source: GSMA Intelligence

Maximising mobile’s impact by 2030

In markets where mobile is the primary way of accessing the internet, increasing the use of mobile-enabled services and platforms for applying and searching for jobs can help to maximise mobile’s impact on SDG 8 by 2030. To do this, there is a need to promote digital skills and education across all parts of society. This should be coupled with creating smarter laws to protect personal data, giving people greater confidence to do more tasks online.

Connectivity has become the foundation of various industries and social activities, but the energy consumption of ICT is increasing exponentially worldwide. KDDI completed the shutdown of 3G in March 2022 and decided to aim for achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. To this end, KDDI established a subsidiary for renewable energy business in April 2023 and is transitioning to renewable energy while implementing energy-efficient measures such as automatic control of base stations. KDDI's DX business sector is working to solve social issues, such as inspecting aging social infrastructure with our Smart Drone. KDDI is also aiming to eliminate coverage gaps in Japan through Starlink. Furthermore, KDDI has launched "αU" (alfa U), a metaverse-centric service that utilises new Web 3 technologies. This service is expected to enhance the customer experience and contribute to the creation of a prosperous future society."

Makoto Takahashi, CEO, KDDI

Case Studies