The digital divide — the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not — is not only about having internet networks available. It also depends on people's ability to afford and use digital tools. In Senegal, the government is trying to tackle this issue by focusing on local production of digital devices. On Tuesday, October 6, Senegalese officials announced a 150 million dollar partnership with an Indian company called Blue Cloud Softech Solutions. This agreement includes assembling devices, quality control, producing accessories, and managing intellectual property rights. The need for this initiative comes at a time when the high cost of digital devices remains a major barrier to internet access across Africa. During a visit to the SunuCorp assembly plant on October 1, Boubacar Roger Thiam, director of Digital Economy and Partnerships in Senegal, highlighted this challenge. According to the ministry, while 97 percent of Senegalese people have access to 4G networks, only 46 percent have the right devices to use them fully. This shows that having internet coverage is not enough to close the digital divide. Local production can help lower the cost of digital devices. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), a smartphone that costs 50 dollars to make in China can end up costing 90 to 110 dollars in Africa, mainly due to transportation, customs, import fees, and retail markups. By assembling some parts locally, these costs can be reduced. However, many African assembly plants still rely on fully or partially disassembled kits (CKD or SKD) that are made elsewhere. This means companies still face high costs for shipping and importing parts. The GSMA also points out that high energy costs and a shortage of skilled workers can limit the benefits of local assembly. A 2025 study by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on technology manufacturing in Uganda came to a similar conclusion, noting that reliance on imported parts increases costs due to tariffs and logistical issues. Building a more local supply chain is seen as a way to reduce these problems and make local production more competitive. For Senegal, the challenge is more than just building assembly plants. While avoiding the cost of importing finished products can help, the cost of imported components remains a big factor. Taxes also play a role, as the GSMA estimates that in some countries in sub-Saharan Africa, taxes can make up more than 30 percent of the price of a smartphone. The success of Senegal’s strategy will depend on whether the savings from local production — in areas like assembly, logistics, and taxes — actually lead to more affordable devices for people. Simply producing more locally may not be enough to close the digital divide unless the final cost to users goes down.