Cut Smartphone Taxes to Bridge Digital Divide, GSMA Urges
The GSM Association is urging African governments to reduce taxes on entry-level smartphones to help bridge the digital usage gap. They argue that increased connectivity is essential for the continent to participate in the global artificial intelligence revolution.
Why it matters
Addressing the digital divide is critical for economic development and ensuring that emerging AI technologies are accessible to the global population.
The GSM Association has urged African governments, including Nigeria, to reduce taxes on entry-level smartphones and implement regulatory reforms to accelerate digital inclusion. The association warned that about 961 million Africans covered by mobile broadband networks remain offline and risk being excluded from the artificial intelligence revolution. The call was made on Wednesday at the ATU-GSMA Workshop on Advancing Africa’s Digital Future: Data, Connectivity and Satellite Regulation, held during the 7th Ordinary Session of the Conference Preparatory Committee of the African Telecommunications Union in Abuja. The GSMA is a global organisation representing mobile network operators and the broader mobile ecosystem, working with governments and industry stakeholders to advance digital connectivity and policy development worldwide. The workshop brought together regulators, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss measures to strengthen Africa’s digital economy.
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