The GSMA has secured commitments from 18 smartphone manufacturers to support the rollout of a $40 4G smartphone aimed at narrowing Africa’s persistent internet usage gap.

The announcement, confirmed by Angela Wamola, Head of GSMA Africa, signals a major shift from conceptual affordability targets toward tangible deployment across the continent.

The initiative, first introduced at the Mobile World Congress Kigali in October 2024, established minimum technical specifications for an ultra-affordable 4G smartphone tailored specifically to African users.

Since then, GSMA has engaged more than 18 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), with at least eight vendors already confirming participation and entering commercial negotiations with mobile network operators ahead of pilot launches expected later this year.

Pilot programs are scheduled to begin in key population centers, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Additional markets remain under evaluation as the coalition prepares for broader continental deployment.

According to Wamola, the objective is transitioning from theoretical standards to real-world impact. “The goal is to move from theoretical specifications into a smartphone in the hands of populations,” she said, emphasizing the importance of proving both commercial viability and practical usefulness before the end of the rollout phase.

Closing Africa’s persistent internet usage gap

Despite significant infrastructure expansion, Africa’s connectivity paradox remains stark. Mobile broadband networks now cover approximately 95% of the population, yet only about 40% actively use mobile internet services.

This gap reflects a structural problem, not network availability, but affordability and accessibility of compatible devices.

On the global scale, nearly three billion people remain offline despite living within coverage zones.

In Africa alone, an estimated 700 million individuals have never accessed mobile internet services, primarily due to the cost of smartphones.

Wamola stressed that the initiative directly targets this underserved demographic. “We are solving for a specific problem,” she said. “It’s about making sure the device is affordable, but also useful.”

Contrary to concerns that affordability might come at the expense of usability, GSMA’s minimum specifications focus heavily on preserving essential user priorities.

Research conducted by the organization revealed that consumers value three critical features above all: adequate screen size, long battery life, and sufficient storage capacity.

Battery longevity is especially crucial in regions where electricity access remains inconsistent. Many African users rely on extended battery performance due to unreliable grid supply.

Storage capacity is equally important, enabling access to educational platforms, agricultural tools, healthcare applications, and financial services that extend beyond basic communication.

By maintaining these functional standards, the GSMA aims to ensure that the $40 smartphone becomes a meaningful digital gateway rather than a limited or disposable device.

Telecom operators, governments, and manufacturers align for rollout

The rollout operates as a three-way collaboration between manufacturers, telecom operators, and policymakers.

OEMs are responsible for meeting hardware specifications and establishing production lines, while telecom operators, including MTN Group, Airtel Africa, Orange, Vodacom, Ethio Telecom, and Axian Telecom, will oversee distribution, marketing, and customer engagement.

GSMA’s role extends into policy advocacy, where it is actively engaging African governments to remove taxes and import duties on smartphones priced below $100.

According to GSMA estimates, eliminating these fiscal barriers could reduce retail prices by as much as 50%, dramatically accelerating smartphone adoption.

While GSMA has not disclosed the identities of participating manufacturers, Wamola said that the initiative prioritizes affordability and performance standards over brand recognition.

The effort forms part of a broader GSMA coalition that includes mobile operators, device vendors, ecosystem partners, international organizations, and financial institutions.

Together, they aim to develop scalable solutions that address affordability constraints in low- and middle-income markets.

Although global supply chain instability remains a potential risk, GSMA leadership remains confident in the project’s timeline. “The environment is always changing,” Wamola noted. “But that doesn’t stop us from trying to solve the usage gap.”

If successful, the $40 smartphone initiative could mark a turning point in Africa’s digital transformation, unlocking internet access for hundreds of millions and accelerating economic inclusion across the continent.