The GSMA, in collaboration with six of Africa’s largest mobile operators: Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom has proposed a $30 – $40 price range and a set of minimum requirements for affordable entry-level 4G smartphones across Africa.
This initiative is designed to accelerate digital inclusion across the continent by lowering the cost of smartphone ownership for millions who remain unconnected.
Smartphone Accessibility Across 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 therefore 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 access amongst up to 50 million people.
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.
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.” He concluded.
What Next?
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, the mobile industry is calling on governments across Africa to act swiftly to remove taxes on entry-level smartphones priced below $100 as 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 estimates closing the usage gap in low- and middle-income countries between 2023 and 2030 could generate $3.5 trillion in additional GDP.