02 May 2025

The Malagasy government has unveiled an initiative aimed at distributing digital devices, including smartphones, to the population as part of the Digital Connectivity and Energy for Inclusion in Madagascar (DECIM) Project.

With a budget of $24 million, this initiative is designed to promote the adoption of internet and digital services throughout the country.
According to the Global Mobile Phone Association (GSMA), one of the major obstacles to the adoption of mobile technology, particularly in areas where network coverage already exists, is the inability to acquire internet-enabled devices. While many smartphones are available for under $100, this price point remains unaffordable for a significant portion of the population.

In Madagascar, a smartphone priced at $100 accounts for nearly 20% of the annual gross national income (GNI) per capita, which is estimated at $510 based on the latest World Bank data (2023). Even with an average smartphone lifespan of three years, the cost of acquiring a device is substantial, particularly in a context where basic needs are prioritized.

The Malagasy government intends to distribute a total of 664,000 connected digital devices, with approximately 400,000 of these allocated specifically to women and girls. This initiative seeks to reduce inequalities in technology access and bolster digital and economic inclusion.

To facilitate this effort, a dedicated ‘Sale of Digital Terminals with Internet Access’ counter will be established, featuring targeted subsidies for devices, a line of credit for distributors and financial institutions, special considerations for remote areas to ensure broad accessibility, and promotion of mobile money as a tool for financial inclusion.

This government initiative aligns with Madagascar’s broader digital transformation ambitions outlined in the five-year Digital Strategic Plan (PSN) 2023-2028. The plan aims to position Madagascar as a significant player in the African digital economy by focusing on the development of telecommunications, e-government, and digital inclusion. Authorities are targeting a contribution of 6% from the digital sector to the national GDP by 2028, up from 1.5% in 2019.