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Smartphone shipments in Africa rise in Q2

Smartphone shipments in Africa rise in Q2

Smartphone shipments in Africa climbed 7% to 19.2 million units in Q2, continuing an upward trend fuelled by easing inflation and currency stability in key markets.

Canalys reported Africa was one of the “best-performing regions” globally, with growth led by Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa where macroeconomic headwinds eased.

Egypt’s market grew 21%, while Sub-Saharan Africa rose 10% on the back of a stabilised Nigerian naira. South Africa increased 2% year-on-year, with 5G smartphones surging 63% thanks to financing plans and partnerships between vendors and operators.

Not all markets grew: Kenya slipped 2%, Morocco fell 7% and Algeria plunged 27% due to weak demand and tighter import restrictions.

Canalys principal analyst Manish Pravinkumar said: “Demand for ultra-low-cost smartphones is reshaping Africa’s market, with sub-US$100 models soaring 38% in Q2 and keeping average selling prices on a downward trend since 2023.”

Africa’s smartphone market is forecast to grow 3% in 2025, outpacing a subdued global market despite rising component costs. Pravinkumar added: “Rural markets are emerging as the next battleground, where limited access to banking is driving demand for mobile money, fintech and digital services.”

Smartphones still account for only half of connections in Africa, with affordability remaining the key barrier. Pravinkumar urged manufacturers to set up factories locally to drive prices down and achieve sustainable growth.

Transsion led with 51% market share, shipping 9.2 million units (up 6% year-on-year). Samsung followed with 3.4 million units (up 3%), Xiaomi placed third with 2.8 million (up 32%), Honor shipped 800,000 (up 161%), while Oppo rounded out the top five with 700,000 (down 11%).



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