MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita warned that rising smartphone prices driven by memory chip shortages threaten digital inclusion across Africa.
MTN Group has warned that soaring smartphone prices and expensive memory chips could slow digital inclusion efforts across Africa.
The major industry analysis and leadership update was publicly shared on October 29, 2026, during a media engagement event in Lagos.
During this discussion, top telecommunications executives explained that global manufacturing shortages have driven memory chip prices up by 80%, pushing the price of basic, entry-level internet-enabled smartphones to $100.
While mobile operators continue spending massive funds to build fast network towers, lay fibre cables, and expand internet coverage across towns and villages, many ordinary citizens still struggle to buy modern internet-capable phones.
Industry data shows that smartphone shipments to African markets declined significantly as global artificial intelligence companies competed heavily for the same electronic components.
To solve this problem, telecom leaders stressed the urgent need for device financing programs, installment payment plans with commercial banks, and government tax reductions on imported phones to help everyday families purchase mobile devices easily.
Making internet-enabled smartphones cheap and accessible is very important for everyday market traders, students, small business owners, and working families across Africa.
In today’s digital world, owning a smart mobile phone is the only way ordinary citizens can access online learning, digital banking, electronic government services, and small business tools.
When the cost of basic phones becomes too high for households to afford, millions of people get left behind even if network towers are built right inside their neighborhoods.
Making mobile devices affordable ensures that every citizen can participate fully in the modern digital economy and improve their daily livelihoods.
Explaining how component shortages and high manufacturing costs create major hurdles for everyday consumers trying to buy internet-enabled phones, the leader of the multinational telecommunications company shared vital market insights.
Highlighting the stark reality that building network towers alone cannot bridge the digital gap without affordable hardware, President and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group, Ralph Mupita, stated that “memory prices have gone up by 80 per cent, impacting the cost of data-capable devices”.
Emphasizing that telecommunications operators, banks, and device makers must collaborate closely to create workable payment solutions for ordinary citizens, company management outlined practical industry steps.
Pointing out how financial partnerships can help buyers spread out payments over time, Ralph Mupita added that “we are enabling customers to buy devices, working with bank partners to bring financing plans to devices”.
Industry stakeholders are actively reviewing device financing models. As telecommunications operators and financial institutions explore new credit solutions, ordinary mobile users across the continent look forward to easier ways to own smart devices.
