Smartphone shipments into Africa hit 84.4m in 2025, strongest since 2021

Smartphone shipments into Africa hit 84.4 million for the entire 2025, representing 13% year-on-year growth and outperforming global market trends. The performance represents Africa’s strongest recovery since 2021.

According to the report by OMDIA, smartphones accounted for approximately 55% of total mobile handset shipments in 2025, highlighting the region’s transition from feature phones to entry-level and mid-tier smartphones.

The significant increase is also attributed to the continued rise of 4G networks on the continent, coupled with the increasing penetration of 5G. However, infrastructure upgrades are still delaying the rise of 5G networks.

“The year (2025) marked the strongest recovery phase since 2021, as deferred replacement demand normalised and channel inventories stabilised across major markets,” part of the report reads.

Also Read: Apple leads 2025 global smartphone shipments with 20% market share and 10% YoY growth.

Africa’s smartphone shipments in Q4 2025

During the fourth quarter of 2025, smartphone shipments in Africa rose 14% year-on-year to 23.1 million units. This increase was attributed to “expanding device-financing options” across East, West, and Southern Africa. 

The performance was also credited to the stability of currencies of major African countries, accelerating 4G adoption, and early-stage 5G uptake in markets such as South Africa and Egypt. The demand for smartphones during the festive period and promotions offered by manufacturers also boosted affordability. 

During the quarter, Sub-Saharan Africa maintained its position as Africa’s primary growth engine, powered by Nigeria and South Africa. 

Nigeria expanded 25%, driven by sustained uptake of affordable 4G smartphones, South Africa led with 38% year-on-year growth, supported by strong prepaid demand, while Kenya posted a modest 3% increase.

In the North African region, Egypt led with a growth of 22%, attributed to local manufacturing advantages and support from vendors such as Samsung, Xiaomi and OPPO. Algeria rose 5%, while Morocco declined 3%, attributed to increased import duties that continued to slow affordability.

Reacting to the report, Manish Pravinkumar, Principal Analyst at Omdia, noted that the fourth quarter shows the growing demand for smartphones by Africans amid a suspected rise in cost. 

He added that it “underscored the growing strain on Africa’s entry-tier smartphone segment as input costs continued to climb.“

In terms of smartphone shipments by manufacturers, TRANSSION maintained leadership with a 44% market share. However, growth slowed to 3% due to its heavier concentration in the ultra-low-price band. Samsung saw a 27% growth and a market share of 17% – its strongest quarterly result since the first quarter of 2021.

Xiaomi’s growth of 12% was fueled by its concentration on a more localised product strategy. 

HONOR recorded 88% growth, sustaining a double-digit growth for the second consecutive year. This was also driven by its expansion from South Africa to Egypt and Morocco, powered by its X-series and mid-range positioning. Beyond that, the brand secured partnerships with operators such as Vodacom and MTN in South Africa, which supported its brand visibility and distribution reach.

OPPO saw a 26% growth to reinforce its position in Egypt and East Africa. It secured fifth place with a market share of 4%. By targeting mid-range and premium segments, OPPO will look to rediscover its place by appealing to younger Africans.

2026 forecast

According to the report, Africa’s smartphone shipment is expected to witness a 23% YoY decline in 2026.

Aside from the global chip shortage, Omdai said Africa’s core volume segment remains highly exposed to inflation. Another key challenge in 2026 is how the market will maintain affordability in an industry already experiencing an increase in operational costs.

However, the impacts are expected to be felt across different countries.

Nigeria and Kenya, where demand is concentrated on devices priced around $200, are likely to put pressure on manufacturers. They will face a challenge in adjusting the price of smartphones and putting pressure on affordability. 

Egypt is expected to remain relatively more resilient due to local manufacturing advantages, while South Africa’s is projected to adjust due to its mature-led operations and the bulk of postpaid and premium demand. 

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