Across Africa, more than 600 million people live within reach of mobile broadband but remain offline. The reason is not network coverage, according to GSMA Africa head Angela Wamola as quoted by TechCabal, but the high cost of smartphones. For many households, an entry-level device still consumes a large share of monthly income.
To address this, the GSMA has launched a new initiative with operators and device makers to introduce smartphones priced between $30 and $40. The project aims to lower one of the continent’s biggest barriers to digital adoption. At MWC Kigali, industry players agreed on baseline specifications for a low-cost but functional smartphone, including 4G capability, sufficient memory and support for basic AI tools such as voice translation.
Affordability remains the largest barrier to digital inclusion, with taxes accounting for up to 40% of device costs in some markets. South Africa recently removed luxury taxes on phones priced below $130, and GSMA is urging other governments to follow. The organisation is also promoting its Digital Africa Index to help policymakers compare conditions and design evidence-based reforms.
The goal is not only to get users online, but to prepare them for services that rely on connectivity, from education and health tools to AI-powered applications.
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Key Takeaways
GSMA argues that Africa’s digital divide is no longer a coverage problem but a device-access problem. While 4G networks reach most of the population, basic 2G and 3G phones dominate usage, limiting access to modern apps and economic opportunities. A $30-$40 smartphone could shift this trajectory by making entry-level devices affordable for lower-income households. The initiative also connects to broader debates about 3G phase-outs, AI access and local manufacturing. Some governments want to retire legacy networks to speed up adoption of newer technologies, but affordability risks excluding millions. GSMA’s approach focuses on creating a viable upgrade path before transitions occur. Sustainable solutions may also come from regional manufacturing and certified refurbished devices, which can expand supply at lower cost. With AI interfaces reducing literacy barriers and more governments considering tax reforms, 2026 could be a turning point. For GSMA, the long-term aim is not only connectivity but enabling Africans to participate fully in the digital economy as creators, workers and entrepreneurs.
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