GSMA Urges Nigeria to Cut Smartphone Taxes for Inclusion

The GSMA (GSM Association) called on African governments, including Nigeria, to lower taxes on entry-level smartphones and implement regulatory reforms to foster digital inclusion. This appeal was made during the ATU-GSMA Workshop on Advancing Africa’s Digital Future, held on Wednesday at the 7th Ordinary Session of the Conference Preparatory Committee of the African Telecommunications Union in Abuja.

Caroline Mbugua, Senior Director of Public Policy and Communications at GSMA Africa, stated that approximately 961 million Africans are covered by mobile broadband networks but remain offline, risking exclusion from the artificial intelligence revolution. Mbugua highlighted that while mobile broadband coverage has expanded, adoption is low, and fiscal reforms are necessary to make smartphones affordable.

She cited South Africa's removal of a nine percent luxury goods tax on entry-level devices as a successful example. Mbugua also noted the high costs of connecting remote communities and advocated for technology-neutral regulations to enhance connectivity.