With only 27% of the Sub-Saharan African population accessing mobile Internet in 2023, the high cost of smartphones remains one of the main barriers to connectivity. To address this challenge, the GSM Association (GSMA) and six major African operators, including Orange, have joined forces to democratize access to smartphones across the continent.

The announcement was made on October 21 during the Mobile World Congress Africa 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. At the event, industry leaders unveiled a landmark agreement establishing a minimum technical standard for quality 4G smartphones priced between $30 and $40. These devices must deliver a smooth and reliable user experience, with balanced specifications for memory, battery life, display, and camera.

A Collective Industrial Project to Drive Down Prices

According to the GSMA, the physical components of a smartphone (processor, memory, battery, display, etc.) account for up to 70% of its total cost. Reducing the price without compromising quality therefore requires a collective approach. The key lies in mass production and standardization: by consolidating orders around a common model, suppliers can lower their prices thanks to larger production volumes.

“The objective of the GSMA standard is to aggregate demand, reassure manufacturers, and stimulate large-scale production at a lower cost,” a representative of the organization explained.

Two Strategic Levers: Local Production and Reduced Taxation

To bring this vision to life, the GSMA is focusing on two main strategies. First, it aims to work with equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to design affordable 4G models that meet the agreed-upon requirements. Second, it urges African governments to remove taxes on entry-level smartphones priced under $100.

South Africa provides a telling example: in March 2025, the country scrapped excise duties on phones costing less than 2,500 rand ($136) to reduce the financial barrier for low-income households. In many countries, VAT and import dutiescan increase device prices by more than 30%, directly hindering digital inclusion.

“Access to a smartphone is not a luxury—it is a vital gateway to essential services, education, and economic opportunities,” stressed Vivek Badrinath, GSMA CEO.

A $40 Smartphone Could Bring 20 Million New Users Online

Today, mobile coverage in Africa reaches 86% for 3G, 71% for 4G, and 11% for 5G, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Yet only 52% of Africans are actually connected. The main obstacle is no longer coverage but device affordability.

GSMA Intelligence estimates that a $40 smartphone could enable 20 million additional people in Sub-Saharan Africa to access mobile Internet, while a $30 model could bring connectivity to up to 50 million new users.

For a smartphone to be considered affordable, its price should not exceed 15–20% of the average monthly income. However, according to the World Bank, in low- and middle-income countries the cost of an entry-level smartphone equals 18% of the monthly income of an average adult, and up to 73% for the poorest 40% of households.

Making Smartphones Affordable—and Durable

Lowering prices alone is not enough. To achieve real impact, several levers must be activated: financing, user support, and maintenance. Operators are exploring installment payment plans and micro-credit solutions tailored to irregular incomes, with transparent terms and insurance against device failure.

Developing a local repair ecosystem and ensuring the availability of spare parts are also essential to prolong device lifespans and reduce electronic waste.

At the same time, digital skills remain a crucial pillar. Many citizens still perceive smartphones as luxury items, largely because they are unfamiliar with their full potential. Training users on basic functionalities can transform the device into a true tool for education, work, and access to public services.

Toward an African Model of Digital Inclusion

By combining industrial cooperation, fiscal incentives, and user-support programs, this initiative represents a major step toward equitable digital access across the continent. For operators, democratizing smartphones expands the market for data services; for governments, it is an opportunity to accelerate digital transformation and economic inclusion.

Through this alliance, the GSMA and its partners send a strong message: connecting Africa now depends on making smartphones accessible to all—the gateway to the 21st-century digital economy.

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