5G Adoption Spurs Smartphone Growth as Shipments Rise 3% in Africa, Middle East

Smartphone shipments across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) rose by 3% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, marking a steady rebound in the region’s mobile industry. According to Counterpoint’s Market Monitor, the growth was driven by stronger consumer purchasing power, festive sales around Eid al-Adha, and improved economic conditions supported by resilient local currencies.

Manufacturers and distributors seized the opportunity by boosting device availability and clearing older stock ahead of the festive season. This surge in demand reflects not just economic recovery but also shifting consumer behavior as more people upgrade to advanced smartphones, particularly those with 5G capabilities.

Senior Analyst Yang Wang explained that the MEA smartphone market has entered a “steadying phase” in 2025, with average selling prices climbing 7% year-on-year as buyers increasingly prefer premium models. Chinese brands dominated the region with a 59% market share, while global players continued to perform strongly in the high-end segment. Wang noted that smaller brands are struggling to keep up, as major players expand through partnerships, offline presence, and innovative product features.

Pricing trends showed a mixed picture. Budget smartphones under $100 remained the largest market share, supported by financing models and migration from feature phones. However, higher-end models gained traction, with consumers drawn to features like AI translation, 120Hz AMOLED displays, fast charging, and telephoto cameras. Affordable 5G devices, especially from TECNO, OPPO, and itel, have been central to this shift, helping 5G adoption climb to 37% in the region during the quarter.

South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya led the 5G smartphone boom. In South Africa, network investments by MTN and Vodacom drove adoption; Egypt benefited from IMEI whitelisting and local production policies; while Kenya’s mobile-first economy, fueled by M-Pesa and micro-lending partnerships, created fertile ground for smartphone upgrades. With both budget-conscious buyers and premium users fueling demand, analysts predict the MEA market will continue its upward trajectory through the rest of 2025.

Source: The Guardian