Mobile operators push for greater access to smartphones in Africa

By Dumisani Sigogo

The initiative, which is part of the GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition, aims to advance digital inclusion across the continent by lowering the cost of smartphone ownership.

A new industry-wide initiative has been unveiled today in Rwanda aiming to boost digital inclusion by lowering barriers to smartphone ownership in Africa

The industry body of telcos, the GSMA, in collaboration with six of Africa’s largest mobile operators – Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom today proposed a bold baseline set of minimum requirements for an affordable entry-level 4G smartphone.

The initiative, part of the GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition, is designed to accelerate digital inclusion across the continent by lowering the cost of smartphone ownership for millions who remain unconnected.

The group made a call to action to regulators and other stakeholders, saying in the coming months, the GSMA will engage with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and technology companies to consult on the proposed minimum requirements and gain support for affordable 4G devices.

At the same time, GSMA said, the mobile industry is calling on governments across Africa to act swiftly to remove taxes on entry-level smartphones priced below $100.

It went on to say in some countries, VAT and import duties can increase device prices by more than 30%, directly raising costs for citizens and hindering digital inclusion efforts.

It cited South Africa as example, stating that earlier this year, the Southern Africa introduced tax reforms on entry-level smartphones – a policy the industry urges other African governments to replicate to build momentum for digital transformation.

Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, said: “Access to a smartphone is not a luxury – it is a lifeline to essential services, income opportunities and participation in the digital economy. By uniting around a shared vision for affordable 4G devices, Africa’s leading operators and the GSMA are sending a powerful signal to manufacturers and policymakers.

This is an important step towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring that millions more people can reap the benefits of mobile connectivity.”

GSMA said smartphone affordability remains the single largest barrier to mobile internet adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the GSMA’s State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2025 Report, more than 3 billion people globally live within mobile broadband coverage but do not use the internet, with affordability of handsets cited as the top challenge.

GSMA Intelligence estimates that a $40 smartphone could bring mobile internet within reach for an additional 20 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, while a $30 handset could enable up to 50 million to get connected.

The requirements propose baseline specifications for memory, RAM, camera quality, display size, battery performance and other features to ensure a viable, long-lasting 4G smartphone experience at a significantly reduced cost.