Africa's smartphone market recorded a 7% surge during Q2 2025, outshining global expansion rates during the same period
In the second quarter of 2025, Africa's smartphone market posted a significant 7% year-on-year growth, with 19.2 million units shipped. This growth was driven by a combination of factors, including easing inflation in key markets and stronger local currencies boosting consumer spending power.
Nigeria, after a period of instability, rebounded with a 10% growth thanks to a more stable naira. Kenya showed relative resilience compared to other markets, slipping by 2%. South Africa posted a 2% increase, with the real driver being a 63% surge in 5G shipments due to new financing options, broader penetration, and deeper operator partnerships.
Samsung expanded its market share by 3%, reaching beyond South Africa into Egypt and Nigeria. The South Korean giant led the pack, holding a 19.7% market share. Close behind was Xiaomi, which surged by 32%, securing a 14% share in Africa's smartphone market.
Chinese brand Vivo also made strides, expanding its presence through partnerships like the one with Kenya's Jamboshop. Vivo captured a 9.2% share, while Transsion maintained a 51% market share with a 6% growth.
HONOR more than doubled its shipments, capturing a 4% share, with South Africa accounting for nearly two-thirds of its regional business. Meanwhile, OPPO slipped by 11%, but is doubling down on Egypt with the opening of its first combined Experience and Service Store in Cairo.
The report from Canalys (now part of Omdia) forecasts Africa's smartphone shipments to rise another 3% in 2025. The research firm expects Africa to sustain a compound annual growth rate of 2.1% from 2025 to 2029, outpacing the subdued global smartphone market.
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. This trend is expected to continue, as the next growth frontier for Africa's smartphone market is rural markets, driven by demand for mobile money, fintech, and digital services.
Africa is shifting from a consumption-driven market to an emerging manufacturing hub, with Egypt and Ethiopia leading the push into local assembly. Uganda and Algeria are building smaller ecosystems for local assembly, leveraging regional trade agreements to reduce tariffs and support sustainable growth.
However, not all markets are experiencing growth. Algeria and Morocco experienced a 27% and 7% decline respectively, due to weak demand and stricter import controls.
Interestingly, smartphones have only just surpassed half of total connections in Africa, with feature phones still entrenched in low-income communities. As Africa continues to develop, it's likely that the smartphone market will continue to grow and evolve, offering exciting opportunities for both local and international players.
