At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the GSMA unveiled a $40 smartphone pilot aimed at narrowing Africa’s digital divide. Backed by major operators including MTN Group, Vodacom Group, Airtel, and Ethio Telecom, the initiative will launch in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The initiative targets a persistent paradox: up to 85% of Africa’s population has mobile network coverage, yet millions stay offline because they cannot afford 4G-capable devices. The coalition is working with manufacturers to meet a minimum specification of 4G while lobbying governments to cut import taxes, as South Africa recently did. Still, rising memory prices threaten the $40 target. If successful, the project could eventually drive prices as low as $20—unlocking connectivity, AI access, and local-language content for millions.
TechCentral
