The GSM Association (GSMA), a body representing mobile network operators and technology companies, has urged African governments to reduce taxes and levies on entry-level smartphones to make devices more affordable for citizens in the continent.
The call comes as about 961 million Africans who live in areas with mobile broadband coverage are unable to use digital services because the cost of smartphones and data remains a challenge.
Caroline Mbugwa, Senior Director, Public Policy, Africa at GSMA, said lowering the cost of basic smartphones would improve digital inclusion, increase access to technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), and support growth across sectors including education, healthcare and transport.
Mbugwa made the call at the Digital Africa Summit Workshop held on Wednesday in Abuja, where regulators, policymakers and industry stakeholders discussed ways to improve connectivity across Africa.
According to GSMA, about 961 million Africans are covered by mobile broadband networks but are not
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