Rwanda Among Six African Countries to Receive $40 Smartphones

Rwanda is among six African countries where affordable smartphones costing about $40 (around Rwf58,000) will soon be introduced to help close the digital gap for people who still lack access to modern mobile devices.

The initiative is led by the GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association) in partnership with telecommunications companies operating across Africa. The goal is to make smartphones more affordable and expand internet access on the continent.

Governments and Telecoms Working Together

Telecommunications companies involved in the initiative are working with governments in the participating countries to reduce taxes on smartphones, a move expected to significantly lower their market prices.

The announcement was made during the global technology event Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, Spain.

Major Telecom Operators Participating

Several telecom operators serving Africa will take part in the program, including:

Airtel
Axian Telecom
Ethio Telecom
Orange
Vodacom Group
MTN Group

Together, these companies provide telecommunications services to more than 800 million people across Africa.

Countries Selected for the Pilot

The initial pilot phase will be implemented in six African countries:

Rwanda
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ethiopia
Nigeria
Tanzania
Uganda

If successful, the program could later expand to additional African markets.

Tackling the Smartphone Access Challenge

Angela Wamola, Head of Sub‑Saharan Africa at GSMA, said access to affordable devices remains one of the biggest challenges limiting internet adoption in Africa.

According to her, about 85% of Africans live in areas covered by internet networks, yet many still cannot access online services due to the high cost of smartphones.

The new devices will support 4G internet, allowing users to connect to faster mobile networks and benefit from digital services such as mobile banking, online education, and e‑commerce.

Smartphone Ownership in Africa

Recent research by GSMA shows that in 2024 only one in four Africans owned a smartphone, highlighting the large digital access gap across the continent.

Lower‑cost smartphones are expected to play a key role in increasing internet usage and expanding digital inclusion.

Previous Affordable Phone Initiatives in Rwanda

In Rwanda, telecom companies have previously introduced similar initiatives aimed at expanding smartphone ownership.

For example, Airtel Rwanda once launched a smartphone costing around Rwf20,000 that supported 4G internet, while MTN Rwanda has also promoted affordable smartphone programs.

These efforts are part of broader initiatives to accelerate digital transformation and increase internet access in Rwanda.