Networks Built, But Access Still Out of Reach

Across Africa, a familiar paradox is playing out: extensive mobile networks have been deployed, yet millions remain offline—not due to lack of coverage, but because devices and data are still too expensive.

While 4G reaches over 90% of populations in countries like Senegal and Uganda, the GSMA reports that nearly 60% of Africans live within range of mobile broadband but do not actively use it. This usage gap represents a significant structural challenge for both consumers and operators.

The $30 Smartphone Target

The industry’s focus has shifted to making internet access truly affordable, with the deceptively simple goal of a $30 smartphone at its center. However, this target is becoming increasingly elusive as component costs rise—memory prices more than doubled between 2025 and early 2026 alone.

Omdia data shows that average smartphone selling prices in Africa increased by $41 year-on-year to $202, while shipments of devices under $100 fell by 34%—highlighting the affordability squeeze impacting low-income consumers most.

Economic Implications for Operators

The GSMA compares this situation to building roads with no cars: extensive infrastructure generates limited returns and makes further investment harder to justify. With billions of dollars in mobile network investments projected through 2030, operators need to see greater utilization to monetize these assets effectively.

When coverage doesn’t translate into meaningful usage, it represents an underutilized resource rather than a foundation for digital economic growth—particularly when smartphones consume most of a low-income household’s monthly budget.

The challenge extends beyond mere network construction; policymakers and industry must collaborate to ensure that the devices needed to access these networks become affordable enough for those who need them most.