The smartphone market in Africa has continued to expand, despite facing economic headwinds. According to Canalys research, the African smartphone market surged by 6% in the second quarter of 2024, reaching 17.8 million units.
Nigeria, the largest smartphone market in Sub-Saharan Africa, recorded a modest 5% increase in shipments during the same period. While this growth is slower than previous quarters, it still indicates a positive trend.
The North African markets, led by Algeria and Egypt, experienced double-digit growth. Algeria saw a remarkable 52% increase, despite facing import challenges. Egypt also recorded a significant 27% rise in smartphone shipments, driven by local currency stability and government efforts to promote local manufacturing.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa was the only country to achieve double-digit growth, with a 13% increase. Kenya, East Africa’s trade hub, experienced a decline of 22% due to ongoing political tensions.
The budget smartphone market, priced under $100, saw the most significant growth, with a 42% increase in shipments. This is due to rising living costs and consumers’ preference for affordable options.
TRANSSION continued its dominance in the budget smartphone market, but even they faced challenges due to the slowing market. Samsung’s shipments declined by 25%, while Xiaomi saw a surge of 45%.
Feature phones still hold a significant market share in Africa, indicating that there is still room for smartphone adoption to grow. Device financing is emerging as a crucial factor in making smartphones more accessible to consumers.
While the smartphone market in Africa is growing, there are still challenges to overcome. These include consumers’ willingness to pay, digital literacy, high taxation on devices, and currency fluctuations. Addressing these challenges will be essential for unlocking the full potential of smartphone adoption in Africa.
The smartphone market in Africa is on the rise, despite economic challenges. Nigeria continues to lead the way, but other countries, particularly in North Africa, are also experiencing significant growth. As device financing becomes more accessible and challenges are addressed, the smartphone market in Africa is expected to continue expanding in the coming years.
