The GSMA, alongside leading telecom operators in Africa, is launching an initiative to roll out affordable 4G smartphones costing between US$30 and US$40 across six African nations. This effort aims to address one of the world’s most significant disparities in mobile internet usage and connect millions of Africans to the internet.
Despite mobile broadband coverage reaching approximately 3.1 billion people globally, many remain offline, particularly in Africa, where the primary barrier to connectivity is the cost, rather than infrastructure.
At the Mobile World Congress 2026, the GSMA shared details of a pilot program aimed at six countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. This program focuses on providing affordable entry-level 4G smartphones to help bridge the continent’s persistent connectivity gap.
According to GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath, “Affordable smartphones are the key to unlocking digital and financial inclusion, economic opportunities, and innovation. Even with mobile coverage available to 3.1 billion people, many are still disconnected from mobile internet. With the support of prominent African operators, we are sending a strong message to encourage the availability of low-cost 4G devices.”
These pilot initiatives will be conducted in collaboration with the G6 operators: Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN Group, Orange, and Vodacom Group. In 2025, these companies established minimum technical specifications for affordable entry-level 4G smartphones, ensuring adequate quality and processing capabilities to support AI readiness.
Importantly, this initiative is backed by global institutions, including the World Bank Group, the International Telecommunication Union, and the World Economic Forum’s Edison Alliance, highlighting broad international support for the endeavour.
However, achieving the target price of US$30 to US$40 per device presents challenges, particularly due to a recent global increase in memory chip prices, which has raised component costs. The GSMA has called on governments to take decisive action to lower the prices of these essential devices.
“In the context of rising memory costs, governments have a crucial role to play in closing the usage gap. Eliminating taxes and import duties on entry-level 4G smartphones will be vital for scaling up this initiative,” Badrinath emphasised.
In sub-Saharan Africa, the cost of entry-level smartphones can account for up to 26% of average monthly GDP per capita, significantly exceeding global affordability benchmarks. By reducing taxes, stabilising import conditions, and promoting local assembly, millions could gain access to the internet.
If these pilot projects succeed, they could facilitate access to mobile financial services, online education, telehealth, e-commerce, and homegrown AI solutions, positioning Africa not only as a consumer of digital advancements but also as a key contributor to the digital landscape.
