African smartphone market surges 24% in Q4 2023 – Canalys

SINGAPORE – Canalys' latest research reveals a significant resurgence in Africa's smartphone market, with shipments reaching 19.2 million units in Q4 2023 with 24% year-on-year growth. The surge in Q4 was fueled by rising demand for digital services, burgeoning social media engagement, and the proliferation of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' options acting as catalysts. Despite economic challenges (South Africa, grappled with energy crises, Nigeria navigated government reforms in the oil sector, and Egypt faced foreign exchange scarcities), the region’s top three markets experienced robust growth. Assisted by the introduction of more affordable smartphone options, South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt grew 15%, 63%, and 63% respectively. For the full year, the region reached 68.7 million units, up 6% from 2022. This was mainly due to better consumer confidence in the second half of 2023.

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Canalys