Telefónica Highlights Connectivity as a Driver of Economic Growth, Digital Inclusion and Social Cohesion

Telefónica Highlights Connectivity as a Driver of Economic Growth, Digital Inclusion and Social Cohesion

(IN BRIEF) Telefónica’s 2025 socio-economic contribution report shows that the Group generated a positive impact of approximately €78 billion across Spain, Brazil and Germany, including a €45.4 billion contribution to GDP and support for 652,010 direct, indirect and induced jobs. The company’s GDP contribution represented 0.56% of the combined economies of the three markets, with around €22 billion in Spain, more than €15 billion in Brazil and approximately €8 billion in Germany. The report also highlights Telefónica’s multiplier effect, with every euro of gross operating margin contributing 5.1 euros to GDP. Beyond economic activity, Telefónica’s impact includes around €17 billion linked to digital inclusion, approximately €14 billion from talent and human capital initiatives, and around €400 million in positive environmental impact. The company frames connectivity as critical infrastructure for productivity, competitiveness and social cohesion, while advancing its net-zero emissions target for 2040 and supporting digitalisation across businesses, public administrations and citizens.

(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID, 27-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Telefónica generated a positive socio-economic impact of approximately €78 billion in 2025 across three of its main markets, Spain, Brazil and Germany, reinforcing the role of connectivity as a key driver of economic growth, social inclusion and sustainable development.

The findings are outlined in the report “Telefónica’s Socio-economic Contribution 2025”, which highlights the company’s contribution to economic activity, employment, digital inclusion, human capital development and environmental progress. Across the three markets analysed, Telefónica’s activities contributed €45.4 billion to Gross Domestic Product, equivalent to 0.56% of their combined economy.

By country, Telefónica contributed around €22 billion to Spain’s GDP, representing 1.31% of the national economy. In Brazil, the contribution exceeded €15 billion, equal to 0.78% of GDP, while in Germany it amounted to approximately €8 billion, or 0.18% of the country’s GDP.

The report also underlines the broader economic multiplier effect of Telefónica’s operations. For every euro of gross operating margin generated by the Group, Telefónica contributed 5.1 euros to GDP, reflecting its role not only as a direct economic actor, but also as a catalyst for wider business activity through connectivity, investment and digitalisation.

Telefónica’s impact extends beyond financial contribution. The company supports productive sectors, promotes employment and strengthens the business ecosystem by enabling the digital transformation of companies, public administrations and citizens. Its infrastructure and services are positioned as critical foundations for competitiveness, productivity and social cohesion.

Maya Ormazabal, Global Head of Sustainability at Telefónica, said responsible digitalisation is a key lever for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. She noted that Telefónica is working to become the best gateway for citizens to access digital technologies by increasing its positive impact on society, supporting economic development in the countries where it operates and accelerating the shift toward a more resilient model.

Telefónica’s strategy links connectivity with a broader sustainable development agenda. The company aims to become more innovative and competitive, improve customer services and manage its operations more efficiently, while helping people and organisations access the opportunities created by digitalisation.

Digital inclusion is one of the central areas of impact identified in the report. Telefónica’s initiatives include the deployment of infrastructure in both urban and rural areas, the development of accessible solutions, the promotion of digital services and digital skills training, particularly for vulnerable groups. The positive impact associated with digital inclusion is estimated at approximately €17 billion and is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals including quality education, industry, innovation and infrastructure, and reduced inequalities.

The report also highlights the environmental role of digitalisation. Telecommunications can support decarbonisation and dematerialisation by improving resource efficiency, enabling better monitoring of natural resources and helping sectors optimise processes and reduce emissions.

Telefónica has set a target to reach net-zero emissions by 2040. To support this goal, the company is promoting digital solutions that improve energy efficiency and resource optimisation across productive sectors, while also helping customers reduce emissions. It is also integrating circular economy principles into its strategy. The company’s positive environmental impact is estimated at around €400 million, linked to areas such as responsible consumption and production and climate action.

Another major area of impact is talent and human capital. Telefónica’s contribution in this area reflects not only job creation, but also the development of better working conditions, more diverse and inclusive work environments and long-term skills growth. The impact linked to talent management is estimated at around €14 billion, connected to objectives including decent work, economic growth and gender equality.

In 2025, Telefónica contributed to the creation of 652,010 jobs across direct, indirect and induced employment. This employment impact was generated through the company’s activities, expenditure, procurement and investment across multiple sectors and national companies. Telefónica’s employment contribution represented 0.38% of total employment across Spain, Brazil and Germany, and 0.83% in Spain.

With these results, Telefónica reinforces its position as one of the major players in the digitalisation of the economy. The report presents connectivity as essential infrastructure for economic progress, social transformation and the development of more inclusive, competitive and sustainable societies.

Media Contact:

Dirección de Comunicación Corporativa
email: prensatelefonica@telefonica.com
telefonica.com/en/communication-room/press-room/

SOURCE: Telefónica, S.A.