• Madagascar launches $24 million DECIM program to distribute smartphones and boost digital access
• 664,000 devices to be distributed, including 400,000 for women and girls
• Initiative targets increased internet adoption and digital inclusion, especially in remote areas

Last week, the government of Madagascar kicked off a program to distribute digital devices, including smartphones, to its citizens under the $24 million Digital and Energy Connectivity for Inclusion in Madagascar Project (DECIM). The initiative aims to boost internet adoption and the use of digital services nationwide.

According to the CSM Association (GSMA), the inability to afford internet-enabled phones is a major obstacle to technology adoption in areas with existing mobile network coverage. While the GSMA notes that many devices are now priced below $100, this still remains unaffordable for a large segment of the population.

In Madagascar, a $100 smartphone represents nearly 20% of the country’s annual gross national income (GNI) per capita, which the World Bank estimated at $510 in 2023. Even with an average phone lifespan of three years, the cost of acquisition remains substantial, particularly given that many basic needs take precedence.

As part of the initiative, the Malagasy government plans to distribute 664,000 connected digital devices, with 400,000 specifically earmarked for women and girls. The program seeks to reduce disparities in technology access and bolster digital and economic inclusion. A dedicated platform for the “Sale of Digital Devices with Internet Access” will soon be launched, featuring targeted subsidies, a credit line for distributors and financial institutions, a focus on remote areas, and the promotion of mobile money for financial inclusion.

This government effort aligns with broader digital transformation goals outlined in the Digital Strategic Plan (PSN) 2023–2028. Authorities aim to position Madagascar as a key player in Africa’s digital economy by developing telecommunications, e-government services, and digital inclusion. The government is targeting a 6% contribution from the digital sector to GDP by 2028, up from just 1.5% in 2019.

However, smartphone ownership alone does not guarantee internet usage or engagement with digital services, even where network coverage exists. “Among current mobile internet users, many would like to use it more but face a range of barriers to increasing their usage. The main constraints include security concerns, affordability, and connectivity experience. Perceived lack of relevance also plays a role,” the GSMA noted in its State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report 2024, published in October 2024.

It is important to note that the Malagasy government has not announced any subsequent phases for the program, which remains limited in scope given the country’s estimated population of 31.2 million. In fact, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), approximately 80% of the Malagasy population do not use the internet.

By Isaac K. Kassouwi,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji