The GSMA has secured commitments from 18 smartphone manufacturers to support the rollout of a $40 4G smartphone aimed at reducing Africa's mobile internet usage gap.
The initiative was launched at MWC Kigali in October 2024 and sets minimum technical standards for an affordable 4G device designed for African users. At least 8 vendors have confirmed participation and entered commercial discussions with mobile network operators ahead of pilot deployments this year.
Pilot programs are expected to begin in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania, with other countries under review. The goal is to move from technical specifications to commercial availability before year-end.
Mobile broadband networks cover about 95% of Africa's population, yet only around 40% use mobile internet services. An estimated 700 million Africans live within coverage but remain offline, with handset affordability cited as a major barrier.
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The minimum specifications focus on preserving features such as screen size, battery life and storage capacity. The GSMA says surveys show consumers are unlikely to adopt ultra-low-cost devices if key functions are compromised.
The initiative involves manufacturers, mobile operators and policymakers. Operators including MTN Group, Airtel Africa, Orange, Vodacom, Ethio Telecom and Axian Telecom will manage distribution.
At Mobile World Congress Kigali 2025, telecom operators called on governments to remove taxes and import duties on smartphones priced below $100, a move that could lower retail prices significantly.
Key Takeaways
Device affordability remains one of the main constraints to digital inclusion in Africa. While network infrastructure has expanded, the cost of entry-level smartphones limits adoption among low-income and rural users. Reducing handset prices to $40 could shift the economics of connectivity. However, achieving that price point depends on supply chain efficiency, scale and supportive fiscal policies. Import duties and value-added taxes can account for a large share of retail costs in some markets. Battery life is critical in regions with limited grid access, while storage capacity supports applications in education, health and agriculture. Without adequate specifications, lower prices alone may not drive sustained usage. If successful, the initiative could increase data consumption, expand digital services adoption and create new revenue streams for operators. The challenge will be aligning manufacturers, telecom companies and governments around a model that remains commercially viable while expanding access.
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