Nigeria’s Smartphone Market Surges 29% in Q3 2025 as Naira Stability Drives Strong Recovery
Nigeria’s smartphone market has bounced back strongly, recording a 29% year-on-year surge in shipments in Q3 2025, according to a new report by Omdia, a global technology market research firm.
The growth represents the second consecutive quarter of expansion, signalling a decisive recovery from the challenges that plagued the sector throughout 2024.
Naira Stability Fuels Market Rebound
Omdia attributes the impressive growth to the relative stability of the Naira, which has stayed between N1,450 and N1,500 per US dollar since early 2025. This stability has restored confidence among vendors and consumers, reversing the volatility caused by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2024 FX reforms.
In 2024, the sharp devaluation of the local currency caused smartphone prices to spike, pushing many devices beyond the reach of Nigerian consumers. As a result, shipments plummeted in Q3 2024, erasing gains from the 63% surge recorded at the end of 2023. Imports dropped dramatically, from $704.76 million in 2023 to $467.70 million in 2024.
But 2025 brought a turnaround.
Vendors Boost Imports, Focus on Affordable Models
With market conditions improving, vendors accelerated imports to meet renewed demand, particularly for budget smartphones priced under $150. These models appeal strongly to Nigeria’s price-sensitive consumers and played a key role in driving upgrade cycles across open-market retail.
Omdia’s report confirms this trend:
“Nigeria’s market surged 29% as vendors accelerated imports following Naira stabilising and refreshed sub-$150 portfolios, spurring upgrades in open-market retail.”
This renewed momentum in Nigeria aligns with a broader positive trend across the continent.
Africa Sees 24% Growth in Q3 2025 Smartphone Shipments
Across Africa, smartphone shipments rose 24% year on year in Q3 2025, reaching 22.8 million units. This growth ends a prolonged five-quarter slump across the region.
Omdia notes that most African markets posted strong double-digit growth, with Algeria being the only outlier at 4%. Both Nigeria and Egypt each contributed 14% of Africa’s total shipments, though their growth came from different dynamics:
- Nigeria: Boosted by Naira stability and strong demand for entry-level devices.
- Egypt: Recorded 19% growth, driven by demand in the $150–$250 mid-range segment, with vendors offering bundled deals and expanding mass-market distribution.
South Africa Leads the Continent, Kenya Accelerates Through Device Financing
South Africa recorded the highest growth on the continent at 31%, fuelled by:
- Prepaid momentum in value and mid-tier devices
- Aggressive retail promotions
- The removal of a 9% ad valorem tax, which had previously inflated smartphone prices
Retail giants such as Pepkor and Ackerman’s played a major role in the surge.
Kenya followed with a 17% year-on-year increase, supported by the rapid expansion of device-financing schemes. Installment-based smartphone plans, now widely offered by retailers and mobile operators, have become a key driver of device upgrades and new purchases.
Nigeria’s 29% smartphone shipment growth in Q3 2025 underscores a robust recovery powered by currency stability and increased access to affordable devices. As markets across Africa follow similar upward trajectories, the continent’s smartphone landscape is entering a new phase of expansion, one shaped by affordability, financing models, and stronger vendor confidence.
