The GSMA has launched two transformative initiatives with leading African mobile operators — one to make 4G smartphones more affordable and another to strengthen Africa’s homegrown AI ecosystem through localized language models.
In partnership with Airtel, Axian Telecom, Ethio Telecom, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom, the GSMA proposed a baseline specification for affordable 4G devices. The guidelines cover essentials such as memory, battery life, camera quality, and display performance to ensure quality without inflating cost. According to GSMA Intelligence, smartphones priced at $40 could connect 20 million new users in Sub-Saharan Africa, while $30 devices could enable 50 million more to come online.
To make this possible, GSMA will engage OEMs and governments to remove import taxes and VAT on smartphones under $100 — levies that can raise retail prices by over 30%. “By uniting around a shared vision for affordable 4G devices, Africa’s leading operators and the GSMA are sending a powerful signal to manufacturers and policymakers,” said GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath.
At the same time, GSMA is spearheading the “AI Language Models in Africa, By Africa, For Africa” initiative — a continent-wide collaboration to build inclusive African AI language models. This initiative brings together telcos, AI startups, researchers, and institutions such as Airtel, Masakhane African Languages Hub, Lelapa AI, and Cassava Technologies to address data, compute, and talent gaps.
Angela Wamola, Head of Africa at GSMA, emphasized the urgency of supporting Africa’s linguistic diversity, noting that while the continent has over 2,000 languages, only a small fraction are represented in digital systems. “This initiative is about turning that challenge into an opportunity — building African-led AI capacity, empowering innovation, and ensuring Africa shapes the digital future on its own terms,” she said.
Ecosystem partners — from startups to academic institutions — are invited to join and contribute, with progress to be showcased at upcoming GSMA events.
