Nigeria’s smartphone industry recorded a 29% increase in shipments during Q3 2025, marking one of its strongest rebounds in recent years. The data, published by global research firm Omdia, confirms that the market has now recorded two straight quarters of growth after a difficult 2024.
Currency Stability Restores Vendor and Consumer Confidence
The report highlights that the market’s resurgence is largely tied to the steadiness of the Naira, which has remained between N1,450 and N1,500 per dollar throughout 2025. This stability reversed the uncertainty caused by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s FX reforms in 2024, which triggered a steep currency devaluation and dramatically raised smartphone prices.
The economic pressure led to a collapse in demand in Q3 2024, eroding gains from the 63% surge seen in late 2023. Smartphone imports also fell sharply, dropping from $704.76 million in 2023 to $467.70 million in 2024. The environment improved significantly in 2025, setting the stage for a market recovery.
Vendors Ramp Up Imports and Target Sub-$150 Devices
With conditions stabilizing, vendors moved quickly to raise import volumes, concentrating on affordable smartphones priced below $150, the segment with the highest demand among Nigerian buyers.
According to Omdia: “Nigeria’s market surged 29% as vendors accelerated imports following Naira stabilising and refreshed sub-$150 portfolios, spurring upgrades in open-market retail.”
The rebound in Nigeria echoes similar trends across multiple African markets.
Africa’s Smartphone Market Jumps 24% Year-on-Year
Smartphone shipments across Africa climbed 24% in Q3 2025, reaching 22.8 million units, effectively ending a five-quarter decline. Omdia notes that nearly all North and Sub-Saharan African markets recorded double-digit growth, with Algeria being the only notable exception at 4%.
Nigeria and Egypt each contributed 14% of Africa’s overall shipments, but their recovery paths differed:
- Nigeria: Growth driven by low-end devices and currency stability
- Egypt: A 19% uplift, strengthened by demand for $150–$250 mid-range smartphones, aggressive promotions, and broader retail expansion
South Africa Leads the Continent; Kenya Grows Through Financing
South Africa posted the strongest growth on the continent with 31%, boosted by:
- Increased prepaid purchases
- Strong value and mid-range device launches
- Deep retail discounts
- The removal of a 9% ad valorem tax, reducing smartphone costs
Retailers like Pepkor and Ackerman’s played a major role in stimulating demand.
Kenya also saw a solid 17% year-on-year rise, powered by widespread adoption of device financing. Pay-in-instalment smartphone plans, now common among operators and retailers, helped drive new purchases and upgrades, especially for affordable entry-level devices.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s 29% shipment growth in Q3 2025 signals a healthy recovery driven by currency stability, strong import activity, and rising demand for budget smartphones. As similar upward trends emerge in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and other African markets, the continent is entering a renewed phase of smartphone adoption shaped by affordability, financing models, and improved economic conditions.
