Let's be real, the digital divide in Africa isn't just about access to the internet. It's about access to opportunities. For too long, it’s been extremely costly to engage fully in today’s digital economy. Participants had to have access to a relatively advanced desktop computer to participate. What if the price tag was cut in half? Perhaps Samsung, with its DeX technology already built into its foldable phones, could be the answer.
Bridging The Desktop Divide Now?
For most Africans a desktop is a luxury. The price is just not feasible, and even when affordable options are available, frequent power outages and lack of reliable internet access render them useless. Mobile phones, however, are ubiquitous. They’re the most accessible computing device for a large majority of the population. Now consider a device that provides the portability of a phone plus the capabilities of a desktop. That's the promise of DeX on foldables.
That’s why Samsung’s DeX, particularly now that it’s integrated into the foldable form factor, is a really exciting prospect. Now imagine that same student in Nairobi. Now, students easily write research papers and use online learning resources with a device they already own. Now picture a budding entrepreneur in Lagos nimbly running their business on the move. They generate invoices and chat with customers smoothly, all on one compact, mobile device. It’s not a question of convenience, it’s about giving entrepreneurs a fair shot.
Foldable Affordability, A Real Barrier?
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: foldable phones aren't cheap. They're still a premium product. Here’s where the “unexpected connection” aspect comes in. Consider the total cost of ownership. A desktop costs more. It needs electricity, and sometimes a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse go along with it. A foldable, while initially more expensive than a low-end desktop, combines everything into one device and potentially reduces reliance on unreliable power sources. On top of that, the second-hand market for these devices is expanding, so they’re becoming easier to access.
It's not just about the hardware. It's about the software and the ecosystem. If Android 16 goes all-in on desktop mode, it might kick-start a wave of creative destruction. This would further expand all the great work accomplished under DeX. Imagine major developers building apps purpose-built for this hybrid mobile-desktop experience, customized to the needs of African users.
Forgotten Voices: What Do Africans Need?
So again, it’s their input that we most need to hear from the folks on the ground. What do you think are the ideal use cases that would make DeX on foldables really transformative? What are the challenges that must be addressed?
I had the opportunity to connect with Thabo, a developer based in Johannesburg, who is focused on democratizing access to DeFi and NFTs throughout Africa. Specifically, Christian thinks DeX on foldables would be extremely effective as a tool for creators and entrepreneurs. "Many young Africans are incredibly tech-savvy," he told me. They’ve already proven they know how to use their phones to turn out award-winning content. Combined with DeX, it would truly unlock a new level of productivity and creativity.
Thabo urged us not to see DeX as a magic bullet. “Connectivity is the leading concern—that hasn’t changed,” he stated. "There's a learning curve. That’s why we need a diverse corps of genAI trainers and coaches to empower people to learn, adapt and thrive with these disruptive new technologies. He's right. Affordability is just one part of the equation. We need:
- Reliable and affordable internet access.
- Localized content and applications.
- Training programs to bridge the digital literacy gap.
Samsung, Google, and other tech companies need to invest in these areas if they truly want to make a difference.
The removal of the "Quit DeX" button and the vertical scrolling app drawer might seem like minor tweaks, but they highlight a key point: Samsung is iterating, refining, and thinking about the user experience. Though some may bemoan the lack of “Pin” choice, the march toward progress with this is encouraging.
It’s a little more than just mirroring a desktop environment onto a phone. It isn’t just about providing access, it’s about making sure people have the tools they need to not just survive but flourish in the digital era. It’s about amplifying the voices of those who’ve been overlooked. It's about creating opportunities where they didn't exist before.
The real question isn’t whether Samsung can bring DeX technology to Africa. It's whether they will. The potential is there. The need is undeniable. Now, it's time for action. Together, let’s make sure that Samsung, Google, and the rest of the tech world choose to invest and build a brighter future. Everyone should be able to fully engage in the digital economy regardless of their geographic location or economic level. The urgency is now. The future of Africa’s digital landscape might very well rely on it.