**Breaking Down Barriers: GSMA's Ambitious Plan for Affordable Smartphones in Nigeria and Beyond** Imagine having a smartphone that's not only affordable but also powerful enough to change your life. This dream is becoming a reality, thanks to the GSMA, a global organization that's been working tirelessly to bridge the internet usage gap in Africa. The GSMA has secured commitments from 18 smartphone manufacturers to support the rollout of 4G smartphones priced at just $40. This initiative, which kicked off at MWC Kigali in October 2024, aims to create an affordable 4G smartphone that meets the needs of African users. By engaging with more than 18 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the GSMA has already secured commitments from at least eight vendors, with commercial negotiations underway with mobile network operators. Nigeria is one of the countries that will benefit from this initiative, with pilots expected to begin in major population markets. Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are also on the list. The goal is to have a working smartphone in the hands of populations across these countries by the end of the year. The push to make smartphones more affordable is a response to the widening internet usage gap in Africa. While mobile broadband networks cover about 95% of the continent's population, only about 40% use mobile internet services. Globally, an estimated three billion people remain offline despite being within coverage, and handset affordability is a major barrier. The GSMA's solution focuses on making smartphones affordable without compromising on features that users value most, such as screen size, battery life, and storage capacity. Surveys conducted by the GSMA found that consumers are unlikely to adopt ultra-low-cost devices if they compromise on these essentials. This initiative is a tripartite collaboration between OEMs, mobile network operators, and the GSMA. OEMs will meet the defined specifications and set up production lines, while mobile network operators will handle distribution and customer engagement. The GSMA will advocate for policy reforms to ensure devices reach consumers at the target price. With this ambitious plan, the GSMA is taking a significant step towards bridging the internet usage gap in Africa. By making smartphones more affordable and accessible, we can unleash the full potential of our continent and drive meaningful economic growth.