Africa smartphone shipments hit 84.4 million units
Smartphone shipments across Africa expanded significantly in 2025, with the continent receiving 84.4 million units over the course of the year, marking a 13 per cent year-on-year increase according to market analytics firm Omdia. This performance outpaced many global markets and reflected a phase of recovery and transition as mobile users increasingly adopt smart devices over basic handsets. Fourth-quarter data showed shipments rising 14 per cent to […] The article Africa smartphone shipments hit 84.4 million units appeared first on Arabian Post.
Device affordability continued to shape the market, with around 81 per cent of all smartphones sold priced below $200, cementing the dominance of entry-level and budget devices among African consumers. This dynamic was especially pronounced in high-population markets such as Nigeria, where the sub-$200 segment accounted for the majority of volumes, and South Africa, where demand for sub-$100 phones remained strong among prepaid users. The shift toward better-spec’d entry- and mid-tier handsets also contributed to a roughly 11 per cent increase in average selling prices in the fourth quarter as buyers sought improved specifications within accessible price points.
TRANSSION Group maintained a commanding presence in the region’s smartphone landscape, capturing a substantial share of shipments throughout 2025 as it continued to focus on devices tailored to local needs. It retained leadership partly through its Tecno, Itel and Infinix brands, which have historically dominated Africa’s lower-priced segments and incorporated features such as enhanced battery life and support for regional languages that appeal to first-time smartphone users. Samsung, Xiaomi, HONOR and OPPO also made notable gains, with Samsung benefiting from its broader portfolio depth and Xiaomi advancing through more localized strategies and channel execution.
Regional patterns of demand highlighted divergent economic and competitive conditions. South Africa recorded one of the fastest rates of growth in the fourth quarter, driven by strong prepaid uptake and competitive promotions, while Nigeria posted robust expansion due to sustained uptake of affordable 4G devices. Kenya’s market grew at a more modest pace, constrained by cost-of-living pressures that limited discretionary upgrades. In North Africa, Egypt’s shipments expanded significantly, buoyed by local manufacturing advantages and value-focused portfolios from leading vendors; Algeria saw modest gains, while Morocco experienced a slight decline reflecting elevated import costs that weighed on affordability.
Analysts pointed out that the transition from feature phones to smartphones was a central driver of growth, with smartphones accounting for approximately 55 per cent of total mobile handset shipments in 2025. This shift has been supported by broader connectivity improvements, including extended 4G coverage and nascent 5G rollouts in markets such as South Africa and Egypt, which have encouraged consumers to opt for devices capable of supporting richer data experiences. Channel-led affordability initiatives, such as festive promotions and financing options, further helped stimulate demand during the final quarter.
Despite the gains, some market participants have raised caution about future momentum. Input cost inflation, particularly in components critical for entry-level devices, has put strain on price-sensitive segments that dominate African demand. With the bulk of shipments concentrated in lower price tiers, vendors and distributors may face challenges balancing affordability with profitability if cost pressures persist. Furthermore, projections from Omdia signal a possible contraction in smartphone volumes in the medium term as market correction factors come into play, including tighter channel inventories and weaker discretionary spending among key consumer groups.
The article Africa smartphone shipments hit 84.4 million units appeared first on Arabian Post.
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