New Initiative Aims to Bridge the Digital Divide in Africa and Asia
To address the high cost of internet-capable devices, which is one of the biggest barriers to digital inclusion, global technology and telecommunication industry leaders have launched a new initiative aimed at advancing handset affordability in Africa and Asia.
According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), approximately 38 percent of the world’s population, or about 3 billion people, live in areas covered by mobile broadband but do not utilize mobile internet services. This ‘usage gap’ is largely driven by the limited affordability and accessibility of smartphones.
Research indicates that in Sub-Saharan Africa, a smartphone priced at $40 could provide internet access to 20 million people, while a $30 handset could connect up to 50 million individuals.
The initiative, known as the ‘Handset Affordability Coalition,’ was introduced during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Africa, held in Kigali from October 21 to 23. This coalition is designed to make smartphones more affordable, particularly in Africa and Asia, which are the two regions with the lowest adoption rates of internet-enabled phones globally.
John Giusti, GSMA’s Deputy Director General, emphasized that hosting MWC Africa in Kigali reflects Rwanda’s growing influence as a leader in digital transformation. He stated, “Being able to convene here and bring all the relevant stakeholders together from the mobile operator community, the device community, the broader innovative ecosystem, fintech, and of course governments and regulators, is really allowing us to come together around our shared goal of connecting everyone everywhere.”
Despite increasing network coverage, Giusti noted that two-thirds of Africa’s population remains unconnected to mobile internet. The Handset Affordability Coalition includes six of the continent’s largest operators: Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom, along with global organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Bank.
“We brought together device manufacturers, international organizations like the International Telecommunication Union and the World Bank to start looking at what the challenges are, the problems, and how we can drive down the cost of smartphones and how we can look at opportunities for de-risking device financing to get more people the opportunity to have a smartphone in their hands,” Giusti explained.
He acknowledged the progress made in expanding broadband coverage, which now leaves only about nine percent of Africa uncovered. However, he stressed that the cost disparity of smartphones remains one of the biggest barriers to achieving digital equity.
“All six operators came together, agreed on these basic ideas of what should be included, and now we’re taking that to the device manufacturer community,” he added. “I’m very optimistic that we’re going to start to see here in Rwanda and in other markets across Africa more options for devices that can reach at lower price points.”
Building Digital Skills and Protecting the Environment
Giusti also highlighted the importance of digital literacy in complementing smartphone accessibility. He mentioned that operators across Africa are training customers on how to use digital tools effectively, helping them unlock new opportunities in entrepreneurship, trade, and agriculture.
He noted that even with reduced prices, many low-income users will still require flexible payment options. “We continue to explore new and innovative ways to de-risk the financing of devices because even at low price points, some parts of the population will have a difficult time buying it in one fell swoop,” he said.
“They’re going to need to pay for it over time, so how can we make sure that that financing mechanism is in place and in a way that the operator is comfortable they’re not going to lose too many of the devices in that process.”
The government of Rwanda is also pushing for e-waste management, mandating that producers of electronic and electrical equipment take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products. According to Enviroserve Rwanda, an e-waste recycling facility in Bugesera District, the country generates between 9,000 and 15,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, with around 80 percent remaining uncollected and untreated.
Giusti emphasized that as the journey to ensure smartphone affordability and accessibility advances, environmental conservation remains a key factor. He noted that operators globally are making specific recommendations about device recycling and reuse. “Many of the operators here across Africa are already deploying these solutions,” he stated.
“First and foremost, we need to make more people connected, and then we can ensure that at the same time, those devices, as they go through their normal course of life, are not disposed of irresponsibly in the end.”
Key Points
- New initiative launched to improve smartphone affordability in Africa and Asia.
- 38% of the global population lives in mobile broadband areas but lacks internet access.
- A $40 smartphone could connect 20 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- The Handset Affordability Coalition includes major telecom operators and global organizations.
- Digital literacy training is essential to complement smartphone accessibility.
- E-waste management is a growing concern as smartphone adoption increases.
Sources: Telecos, tech players join forces to address phone affordability
