In an age where connectivity is paramount, the digital divide remains a persistent challenge, particularly in Africa. The affordability of smartphones, a crucial tool for bridging this gap, was under the spotlight at the Mobile World Congress (MWC Kigali) on Wednesday, October 18.

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During a press conference titled "Breaking Barriers: Closing the Usage Gap Roundtable”, officials stressed the importance of industry-wide collaboration to tackle the barriers to mobile internet adoption, particularly affordability, and low digital skills. They also seized the moment to announce the "We Care Partnership” for digital literacy training, a joint effort by Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) and MTN Rwanda.

Innovative financing solutions

Saint Doe, MTN Rwanda’s Chief Consumer and Digital Officer, highlighted the Macye Macye initiative, a flexible payment plan that allows customers to pay for smartphones daily, weekly, or monthly until the device is fully owned. Responding to concerns about cost, Doe emphasised that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

"Sustainability is key. The initiative is supported by a financial institution that operates under central bank regulations with specific key performance indicators (KPIs). These unsecured loans provide customers with a manageable way to acquire smartphones,” he said.

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Unveiling their 4G flagship smartphone designed to reach over one million Rwandans, Emmanuel Hamez, the Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda, said: "We are actively supporting the government’s long-standing initiative, recognising the pressing need for telecom companies to offer viable smartphone financing solutions. For us, the philanthropic approach was chosen as an option, particularly as a substantial number of rural citizens are challenged in affording gradual payment methods.”

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Government initiatives

The Government of Rwanda initiated the Connect Rwanda campaign in 2019 to boost smartphone penetration, which was below 20 per cent at the time, and bridge the digital divide. Stakeholders rallied behind this campaign, with telecom companies rolling out innovative solutions. MTN Rwanda’s Macye Macye and Airtel’s "cheapest 4G smartphone” are examples of such initiatives.

ALSO READ: Rwanda launches drive to connect all households with a smartphone

The challenge ahead

According to data from GSMA, the goal is to reach an 88 per cent smartphone adoption rate in the sub-Saharan region by 2030, marking a 37 per cent increase from today. And while these initiatives are steps in the right direction, there is no silver bullet to address the multifaceted challenges surrounding smartphone affordability. Collaboration, innovative financing, local manufacturing, and sustainable solutions are key to closing the digital divide.