JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 18, 2026/ — Smartphone For All, a business focused on advancing digital inclusion, has been recognized with the 2025 Pinnacle Awards (Telecoms and Wireless Category) for Digital Inclusion & Accessibility Champion and the 2026 Merit Award (Telecoms and Wireless) for bridging the Digital Divide.
The Pinnacle Awards is a global program that recognizes innovation and excellence across industries, highlighting organizations that demonstrate impact and reliability in the telecom and wireless sector. The Merit Awards similarly honor achievements that shape the future of communications.
Launched in 2025, Smartphone For All aims to address Africa’s digital divide by providing affordable smartphones, connectivity and AI-enabled access to underserved populations. The initiative is built on the premise that lack of digital access limits opportunities in education, healthcare, employment and financial services.
The company partners with mobile network operators to transition 2G and 3G users to affordable 4G smartphones. Its initial rollout with MTN South Africa introduced devices priced at ZAR 99 (approximately $5), targeting the distribution of around 1.2 million devices. Expansion plans include markets such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire.
The initiative also supports broader ecosystem benefits, including improved spectrum efficiency for operators and enhanced productivity and inclusion for governments. Policy measures, such as South Africa’s planned phase-out of 2G and 3G devices by 2027 and reduced smartphone taxes, are further accelerating adoption.
Industry data indicates that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can drive GDP growth of up to 1.4% in low- and middle-income countries, reinforcing the economic impact of expanding digital access.
Smartphone For All continues to position itself as a platform for enabling digital participation across Africa, supporting access to essential services and contributing to long-term socio-economic development.
