A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) will result in the piloting of next-generation, affordable 4G smartphones across six countries in Africa during 2026.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda were identified by the GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition for the initial pilots.

The MoU, signed by GSMA, the G6 group of leading African operators – Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, Orange and Vodacom – and top original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) formalised the collaboration.

The pilots build on the minimum requirements for low-cost 4G devices proposed by the GSMA and the mobile operators at MWC Kigali in October 2025 and represent a significant step forward in turning industry alignment into tangible, on-the-ground impact.

The requirements propose baseline specifications for memory, RAM, camera quality, display size, battery performance and other features to ensure a viable, long-lasting 4G smartphone experience at a significantly reduced cost.

The initiative, part of the GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition, aims to accelerate digital inclusion across Africa by lowering the cost of smartphone ownership for millions who remain unconnected.

The GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition brings together mobile operators, OEMs, financing institutions and international organisations, including the World Bank Group and the International Telecommunication Union.

Its objective is to lower the cost of entry-level smartphones worldwide and accelerate digital inclusion in markets where affordability remains a key barrier.

Affordable smartphones are the gateway to digital and financial inclusion, economic opportunity and innovation, says GSMA director-general Vivek Badrinath.

GSMA Intelligence previously estimated that a $40 smartphone could bring mobile Internet within reach for an additional 20- million people in sub-Saharan Africa, while a $30 handset could enable up to 50-million to get connected.

However, the current surge in the global cost of memory prices is making it increasingly difficult to attain the critical $30 to $40 price range required to unlock mass adoption.