At the All-Belarusian People's Assembly (VNS), Deputy Chairman Alexander Kosinets stated that Belarusian microelectronics will be able to truly compete on the global stage only after 25 years. According to him, that is how long it will take the country to bring to market not only military but also civilian products, including its own smartphones.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, upon hearing this forecast, expressed surprise, noting that neither he nor Kosinets himself would likely live to see that moment. In response, the official philosophically remarked: "Well, what can you do?" — eliciting applause in the hall.
Previously, Lukashenko has repeatedly emphasized the need to create a national mobile phone. In 2024, speaking to students of engineering and technical universities, he assured that Belarus must develop its own gadget with domestic software. The President called it a matter of national security, pointing out that modern smartphones are increasingly used as tools of hybrid warfare.
Despite the ambitious statements, the real situation in the industry remains complex. Already in 2025, representatives of the Ministry of Communications acknowledged difficulties with the supply of basic telecommunications equipment for mobile operators and announced plans to localize its production.
