The number of smartphones shipped to Africa increased 7.6% from 18.1 million in Q2 2022 to 19.6 million in Q2 2023, according to the Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker recently issued by the International Data Corporation (IDC).
South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt were the top African destinations over the period with Chinese Transsion's brands (Tecno, Itel, and Infinix) remaining the most popular. Next are South Korean Samsung and the Chinese Xiaomi.
The increase in smartphone sales in Africa during the second quarter of 2023 marks the end of seven consecutive quarters of decline due, in particular, to the pandemic period, which came with rising inflation, economic instability, depreciation of the local currency against the US dollar, and weak consumer demand.
Ramazan Yavuz, Senior Research Director at IDC, believes that the African smartphone market should continue to grow in 2024, even if the volumes will not reach the level seen in 2021 in the short term. "The difficulties and challenges posed by the global economic outlook continue to affect the region, preventing a faster recovery. In the long term, the influx of affordable mobile phone models from all brands and the acceleration of the transition from feature phones to smartphones will drive market growth," he explained.
• Inflation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) fell to a two-year low of 0....
Flutterwave gained a BCEAO license to operate in Senegal, expanding to 35 African countries. ...
In Africa, the private sector is widely seen as the main engine of industrialization and plays a cen...
President Paul Biya, 92, to seek eighth term in October 2025 election In power since 19...
• Interbank volumes rose 18.7% in May, while rates declined across the market• The BCEAO cut its mai...
Highlights: • New 1% US tax on outbound remittances to take effect January 1, 2026• Africa received $100 billion in remittances in 2023, outpacing...
Highlights: • Kobold Metals signed an agreement in principle with the DRC government on July 17, 2025.• The deal includes the Manono lithium project,...
Highlights: • Global cocoa processing down across all major regions in Q2 2025• ECA: Europe’s grindings at lowest since 2020, Asia at lowest since...
Highlights: • Egypt targets 42% renewable energy share by 2030.• POWERCHINA to build 130-km high-voltage line signed on June 25.• National grid expansion...
Ashenda is a vibrant traditional festival celebrated primarily in northern Ethiopia, particularly among the Tigray and Amhara communities, as well as in...
The Emerald Sea is a vast turquoise lagoon located in the northern part of Madagascar, just a few kilometers from the town of Antsiranana (formerly Diego...