Comms Minister In Big Push For Cheaper Smartphones

Speaking at an affordable smart device workshop hosted by the department of communications digital technologies on Monday, Malatsi said the digital economy can act as a "great equaliser" by providing poorer South Africans with access to opportunities, tools and skills that empower them to change their economic standing for the better.

But this is not possible if they are priced out of access, the minister said.

"Affordable smart devices are the key to unlocking digital transformation. It is estimated that the digital economy contributes about 19 of South Africa's GDP, yet millions are excluded - and not because broadband is not available," Malatsi told industry stakeholders.

"Without a device connectivity is meaningless, and without access the promise of digital transformation is not fulfilled."

The workshop aims to bring together industry stakeholders including mobile operators, fintechs, original equipment manufacturers in the mobile devices space, trade associations and other industry players to drive a collaborative approach to solving the device affordability problem.