Crossing the Cost Barrier to the Digital Economy

For millions across Africa, the cost of smartphones remains the biggest barrier to getting online. While progress has been made, including through financing schemes and industry initiatives, adoption continues to lag. In many markets, entry-level devices still represent a significant share of monthly income, limiting access for lower-income users. Beyond the device itself, the cost of data and digital services further compounds the challenge.
This session moves beyond diagnosis to examine why existing solutions have struggled to scale, and what needs to change to make affordable, meaningful digital access a reality.