The GSMA today announced that six African countries, namely: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, have been identified by the GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition for initial pilots to introduce affordable $40 4G smartphones.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between the GSMA, the G6 group of leading African operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) partners, formalise collaboration to pilot affordable entry-level 4G smartphones in Africa in 2026.
However, the current surge in the global cost of memory prices is making it increasingly difficult to attain the critical US$30 – US$40 price range required to unlock mass adoption. Against this economic context and considering that few opportunities exist to lower materials and manufacturing costs for entry-level devices, it has become even more important to reduce or eliminate taxes and import duties on entry-level 4G smartphones.
Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, said: “Affordable smartphones are the gateway to digital and financial inclusion, economic opportunity and innovation. 3.1 billion people have mobile coverage but are not connected to the mobile internet.
“Together with the G6 group of leading African operators, we are sending a clear demand signal to bring low-cost 4G devices to market. In a global context of rising memory costs, governments have an important role in bridging the usage gap.
“Removing taxes and import duties on entry-level 4G smartphones will be critical to achieving scale.” He concluded.
Africa remains home to one of the world’s largest mobile internet usage gaps. Millions live within broadband coverage but remain offline. In addition, handset affordability is consistently cited as the biggest barrier to adoption. Affordable 4G smartphones at scale could bring tens of millions of Africans online. As a result, it could unlock access to education, healthcare, financial services, e-commerce and AI-powered tools.
