The $30 smartphone is slipping away, because of memory chips
The average price of a smartphone sold in Africa has risen by $41 in a year. The cause is the surge in memory chip prices, which undermines the goal of a truly affordable entry-level phone.
- The GSMA is aiming for a $30 smartphone to connect 1.6 billion people.
- Memory chip prices have soared: +$41 on the average price in Africa ($202), according to Omdia.
- 906 million Africans have network coverage but are not connected.
The GSMA, the global association of mobile operators, estimates that a $30 entry-level smartphone would make the device affordable for about 1.6 billion people who already live under network coverage. That goal is slipping away.
Memory chip prices have soared
The price of memory chips more than doubled between the third quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, then jumped by another 80 to 90% in the second quarter. According to research firm Omdia, the average selling price of a smartphone in Africa rose by $41 in a year to $202, and sales of devices under $100 fell by 34%.
For Caroline Mbugua, a GSMA official, the price of components remains the biggest barrier. On top of that come customs duties, VAT, excise taxes, distribution and currency fluctuations.
Hundreds of millions of people offline
- 906 million Africans live under 3G, 4G or 5G coverage but do not use mobile internet.
- In sub-Saharan Africa, only 25% of people use mobile internet.
- For the poorest 20% in sub-Saharan Africa, an entry-level phone costs 76% of a month’s income.
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