Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Which Industries Are Leading Canada’s Digital Economy in 2026?
February 10, 2026
Canada’s digital economy is on the rise, and many sectors are at the forefront of that growth and innovation. In 2025, we see certain key industries come into their own as the primary forces behind Canada’s digital transformation and global competitiveness.
Technology and Telecommunications
The telecommunications industry is the primary driver of Canada’s digital economy, which in 2024 reported a $87.3 billion contribution to the Canadian GDP. Reports from the International Trade Administration indicate that Canada’s digital economy is expected to grow at a 9% compound annual growth rate through 2025, and that telecom infrastructure is the basis for that growth.
Mobile
Mobile is at 55.2% of total telecom revenues, while fixed internet is at 28% of the market. With that strong base, Canadian businesses have been quick to adopt digital technologies, which the entertainment sector has in particular profited from. In the growth of digital entertainment, which includes the increasing online slot games market, we see how the telecom infrastructure supports a variety of digital business models across the country.
Telecom
Canadian telecom players have outperformed global competitors due to having built world-class networks that place them at the forefront of digital adoption. This strategic play will see Canada as a hub for 5G and fibre optic expansion projects, which in turn will fuel growth in 2025 and beyond.
The Fintech Revolution
Things are hot for Canada’s fintech industry, and 2025 is no exception. Global fintech markets are growing at 3% according to recent reports, and Canada is part of that growth, with AI, B2B, and new lending platforms driving the sector. What’s more, there are 84 companies in Canada operating in different subsectors with corporate partnerships and/or venture capital funding.
According to PwC’s Canadian fintech report, this means high levels of investor confidence in fintech and lots of funding going into startups in digital payments, blockchain and regulatory technology and more. This is the case with Canada’s prepaid cards and digital wallets, where it’s expected to grow 6.7% per year to $26.26 billion by 2025. This is due to shifting consumer behaviour towards digital payment solutions and the maturity of Canadian fintech globally.
Entertainment and Gaming
The digital entertainment and gaming sector is one of Canada’s fastest-growing digital economy segments. Canada’s digital gaming audience will reach 20 million users by 2025—that’s half of the country’s population.
Canadian gaming companies are using advanced tech to create experiences that appeal to domestic and international markets. The industry is supported by solid telecommunications infrastructure, and consumers are getting more comfortable with digital entertainment platforms. Gaming demographics are young and highly engaged, which means sustainable revenue and export opportunities.
The entertainment sector goes beyond gaming to include streaming services, digital media production and interactive content creation. This diversification makes Canada a major player in the global digital entertainment economy, with Toronto and Vancouver becoming major hubs for digital content production.
Digital Health
Digital health has been a game-changer for Canada’s healthcare system and economy. It includes telemedicine, health information systems, medical device connectivity and data analytics platforms that improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Now, Canadian digital health companies are developing solutions for domestic healthcare challenges and export markets.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare applications have accelerated in 2025, and Canadian companies are leading the way in medical imaging analysis, predictive diagnostics, and personalized treatment platforms. Government support for digital health initiatives—including funding for health technology research and development—has also created an environment for innovation and growth.
Provincial health systems are adopting digital solutions and creating demand for homegrown technology and expertise. This domestic market has become a testing ground for Canadian digital health companies to test solutions that can then be scaled for international markets and generate export revenue and leadership.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
Combined, the top industries represent a multiplier for Canada’s digital economy. Fintech, entertainment and gaming companies have large telecommunications infrastructures’ needs for complex connectivity services. Fintech payments and strong data networks have oriented digital health solutions.
Ramping up investments in advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and digital infrastructure will ensure Canada remains competitive. This emphasis on leveraging federal government support to drive competitiveness via investments in emerging technologies will also lead to growth.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s digital economy in 2025 is led by the telecommunications infrastructure, fintech, entertainment, gaming, and digital health sectors. They also enhance national growth and national competitiveness in the international arena.
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These industries are part of the reason Canada’s digital economy is expected to have a 9% compound annual growth rate through 2025. Together, they are the ones that will ensure Canada’s place and success in the digital economy.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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