Market Forecast by Countries (South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Rest of Africa), By Product Type (Android, iOS, Windows, Blackberry Operating System, Other), By Distribution Channel (OEM, Retailer, e-Commerce) And Competitive Landscape
Product Code: ETC055960 | Publication Date: Feb 2021 | Updated Date: Sep 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | No. of Pages: 200 | No. of Figures: 90 | No. of Tables: 30 | |
According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the Africa Smartphone Market was valued at USD 45.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 98.7 billion by 2031, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% during the forecast period (2025-2031).
Report Name | Africa Smartphone Market |
Forecast Period | 2025-2031 |
CAGR | 11.2% |
Market Size | USD 98.7 billion by 2031 |
Growing Sector | Mobile Financial Services |
The Africa Smartphone Market report thoroughly covers the market by product type, distribution channel, and countries. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
The Africa smartphone sector is expected to accelerate significantly as digital connectivity and smartphone adoption rise across the continent. Growth is propelled by increases in disposable income, improvements in network infrastructure, and the spread of 4G and 5G services. Consumer preferences are changing with the trend toward affordable mid-range smartphones and stronger demand for better camera features and longer battery endurance.
The Africa Smartphone Market is projected to grow rapidly, at a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period 2025-2031. Multiple factors contribute to the growth of the Africa smartphone market, such as a rapidly growing youth population and broad adoption of mobile financial services. Intense competition among manufacturers with localized features boosts consumer interest. Moreover, increasing internet and better digital literacy are driving smartphone use in urban and rural areas, supporting ongoing Africa Smartphone Market growth.
Several challenges affect the Africa smartphone Market, such as elevated import taxes in certain nations and inconsistent electricity supply, impacting device functionality. Scarcity of after-sales service centers diminishes consumer confidence. Affordability remains a key barrier in less developed regions. Additionally, counterfeit products and grey market imports reduce market trust and hinder authentic sales expansion.
The Africa smartphone market is witnessing trends like rising demand for 5G-capable devices, growing use of AI-driven features, and broader availability of smartphone financing options. Additionally, manufacturers are emphasizing rugged and durable designs suited to local environments. Partnerships between telecom operators and smartphone brands are boosting bundled data and device deals, encouraging consumer adoption. E-commerce platforms are also changing distribution methods.
The Africa smartphone industry is likely to expand due to investment opportunities such as creating localized manufacturing hubs, advancing mobile app ecosystems, and increasing affordable financing and trade-in schemes. Startups focused on smartphone repair and refurbishment are receiving investments, while governments are driving digital inclusion through programs like Kenya’s Digital Literacy Programme and Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan to raise smartphone ***** and connectivity.
The Africa Smartphone Market Share is primarily led by Transsion Holdings, which owns popular brands like Tecno, Infinix, and Itel. Samsung and Apple are also major players, while other Chinese brands such as Xiaomi, Oppo, and Realme hold significant market presence. Chinese manufacturers dominate much of the continent’s smartphone landscape.
African governments are implementing legislative measures to facilitate the spread of mobile technology, encompassing amended import taxes, e-waste management, and data protection legislation. The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) in South Africa safeguards consumer data during mobile transactions. The Ministry of Communications in Egypt is advocating for measures that reduce smartphone import expenses and promote local assembly to enhance employment and affordability.
Strong growth is projected for the Africa smartphone market as mobile connectivity becomes central to daily living. Future trends feature foldable smartphones, expanded mobile payment use, and more IoT-enabled devices. Governments expect to enhance infrastructure and digital literacy programs, supporting smartphone in rural and underserved areas. The development of cloud gaming and mobile content consumption will also spur demand for powerful devices.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.
According to Guneet Kaur, Senior Research Analyst, 6Wresearch, Nigeria leads the Africa Smartphone Market due to its large and youthful population, rapid urbanization, and strong smartphone adoption fueled by expanding mobile network coverage. South Africa and Kenya follow closely, supported by higher disposable incomes and government initiatives promoting digital infrastructure.
Android smartphones overwhelmingly dominate the Africa Smartphone Market due to their affordability, wide range of device options, and strong support from multiple manufacturers. The open-source nature of Android allows brands like Tecno, Infinix, and Samsung to offer feature-rich devices tailored to diverse consumer needs across urban and rural areas. In contrast, iOS holds a smaller share due to its premium pricing, while Windows and Blackberry operating systems have minimal presence.
Online platforms dominate the Africa Smartphone Market as e-commerce adoption accelerates due to convenience, better pricing, and wide product variety. Platforms like Jumia and Takealot have revolutionized smartphone sales in Africa, offering secure payment options and doorstep delivery. Sporting goods retailers and department stores hold smaller shares but remain relevant in urban centers and physical retail hubs.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 Africa Smartphone Market Overview |
3.1 Africa Regional Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 Africa Smartphone Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3 Africa Smartphone Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 Africa Smartphone Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 Africa Smartphone Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
3.6 Africa Smartphone Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Product Type, 2021 & 2031F |
3.7 Africa Smartphone Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Distribution Channel, 2021 & 2031F |
4 Africa Smartphone Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.3 Market Restraints |
5 Africa Smartphone Market Trends |
6 Africa Smartphone Market, 2021 - 2031 |
6.1 Africa Smartphone Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 |
6.2 Africa Smartphone Market, Revenues & Volume, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 |
7 South Africa Smartphone Market, 2021 - 2031 |
7.1 South Africa Smartphone Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 |
7.2 South Africa Smartphone Market, Revenues & Volume, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 |
8 Nigeria Smartphone Market, 2021 - 2031 |
8.1 Nigeria Smartphone Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 |
8.2 Nigeria Smartphone Market, Revenues & Volume, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 |
9 Kenya Smartphone Market, 2021 - 2031 |
9.1 Kenya Smartphone Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 |
9.2 Kenya Smartphone Market, Revenues & Volume, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 |
10 Rest of Africa Smartphone Market, 2021 - 2031 |
10.1 Rest of Africa Smartphone Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 |
10.2 Rest of Africa Smartphone Market, Revenues & Volume, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 |
11 Africa Smartphone Market Key Performance Indicators |
12 Africa Smartphone Market - Opportunity Assessment |
12.1 Africa Smartphone Market Opportunity Assessment, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
12.2 Africa Smartphone Market Opportunity Assessment, By Product Type, 2021 & 2031F |
12.3 Africa Smartphone Market Opportunity Assessment, By Distribution Channel, 2021 & 2031F |
13 Africa Smartphone Market - Competitive Landscape |
13.1 Africa Smartphone Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2021 |
13.2 Africa Smartphone Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
14 Company Profiles |
15 Recommendations |
16 Disclaimer |