(Ecofin Agency) – According to the Global Association of Telephone Operators (GSMA), sub-Saharan Africa had one billion mobile subscriptions (SIM cards) in 2023. However, only 51% of these subscriptions were on smartphones.
In the third quarter of 2024, smartphone makers shipped 18.4 million units in Africa, according to data from Canalys, a Singapore-based global technology market analysis firm. This corresponds to growth of 3% compared to the same period in 2023, a slowdown compared to the first and second quarters of 2024, when growth rates reached 24% and 6%, respectively.
This slowdown in growth has notably been attributed to challenges such as inflation, energy volatility, flagging consumer demand, increasing operational costs, as well as infrastructure gaps.
In terms of prospects, Canalys believes that the future of the smartphone market in Africa will depend on the ability of governments and suppliers to overcome the structural obstacles mentioned above. The analysis firm plans a “ cautious growth » of 1% of smartphone shipments in 2025. It also predicts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1% between 2024 and 2028.
It should be remembered that this slowdown in the growth of the smartphone market could slow down the adoption of broadband in Africa, in a context where telecom operators are intensifying their investments to deploy and expand 4G and 5G networks, which require compatible devices. At the same time, African governments are accelerating the digitalization of public services to facilitate access to populations. Added to this are several innovative digital services offered by private start-ups.
« Long-term success will depend on innovative partnerships between governments, suppliers and operators to balance immediate financial needs and long-term goals. By fostering collaboration, Africa can accelerate its digital transformation, laying the foundations for a connected, inclusive and economically dynamic future », specifies Canalys.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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05/03/2024 – Smartphone sales in Africa increased by 6% to reach 68.7 million units in 2023 (report)
