Africa’s smartphone market showed remarkable resilience in the face of macroeconomic challenges and forex issues in Q1 2024, with shipments increasing 17.9% year on year (YoY) to reach 20.2 million units.

That’s according to the latest insights from International Data Corporation (IDC), with the firm’s newly released Quarterly Global Mobile Phone Tracker showing that feature phone shipments declined 15.9% over the same period to total 18.8 million units. This marks the first quarter where smartphone shipments have surpassed feature phone shipments in Africa, highlighting a clear transition toward smartphones across the region.

“South Africa experienced healthy YoY growth in Q1 2024, driven by the rising popularity and availability of competitively priced Chinese brands with advanced features,” says Arnold Ponela, a senior research analyst at IDC. “Meanwhile, Nigeria saw robust growth fueled by the success of Transsion brands and Xiaomi, particularly in the entry-level segment, which significantly boosted shipments. Kenya further strengthened its position as the third-largest smartphone market in Africa in Q1 2024, with innovative financing models like Mkopa driving sales growth.”

In Q1 2024, Transsion brands (Tecno, Itel, Infinix) maintained their leading position in terms of smartphone market share, driven by their compelling entry-level device portfolio tailored to the African market. However, Samsung and Xiaomi gained market share on the previous quarter, driven by mid-range ($200<$400) models. Overall, shipments of smartphones in this price range increased in Q1 2024, while shipments of <$100 devices declined, indicating a growing consumer preference for feature-rich models.

Looking at 2024 as a whole, IDC expects Africa’s smartphone market to see shipments increase 5.7% YoY, with a sustained upward trajectory for the next five years. “Africa remains a market with a high share of feature phones, although they are expected to gradually decline as the transition to smartphones gains momentum,” says Akash Balachandran, a research manager at IDC. “This shift, coupled with rising demand, will be the key driver of overall growth in the smartphone market. Persistent inflationary pressures and escalating macroeconomic uncertainties may cause short-term fluctuations but will not impede the long-term transition.”

Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite giant has partnered with Samsung, a multinational manufacturing conglomerate to offer shoppers free delivery and installation as well as free installation kits when they purchase any of the Samsung Consumer Electronics products on Konga.

This exciting offer is part of activities for the month-long Konga Mid-year Shopping Festival, a hugely popular annual sales fiesta, which kicked off on the 30th of May and ends on 30th of June, 2023.

Through this incentive, shoppers on the Konga platform can now have their Samsung Electronics products delivered at no cost, in addition to having certified technicians handle the installation at their residence free of charge. This offer covers items such as Samsung TVs UHD 65′ & above and QLED 55′ & above; all Samsung Air Conditioners; Samsung Washing Machines Front Loaders 6kg & above and Samsung Refrigerators Double Door (300Ltrs & above), Side by Side, French Doors and Be-Spoke. Furthermore, customers will receive free installation kits for Samsung TVs and Residential Air Conditioners as part of this offer.

Also adding to the excitement is the option of same day delivery for all ordered items through KongaNow, an unprecedented initiative pioneered by Konga in May 2013. KongaNow addresses the twin problems of fake products and delayed deliveries by ensuring that verified products are delivered to shoppers within one to six hours, provided orders are placed before 2pm. Any item labelled KongaNow on the Konga website is entitled to same day delivery in Lagos and Abuja. Shoppers in other cities will also enjoy fast-tracked delivery, although with slight delays owing to logistics reasons.

This development is bound to add an extra kick and special flavour to the Samsung Brand Day, an exclusive one-day sale of Samsung products on the Konga website scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, 2023.  For the Samsung Brand Day, shoppers are set to enjoy special pricing and discounted deals on various Samsung products cutting across its Mobile Phone range and accessories as well as Consumer Electronics such as TV sets, AirConditioners, Refrigerators and Washing Machines, among others. The exclusive Samsung Day sale will kick off in the dawn hours of Tuesday, June 13 on the website – www.konga.com, with early bird shoppers expected to take advantage of the limited quantities on offer.

The 2023 edition of the Konga Mid-Year Shopping Festival, launched last year by the e-Commerce giant, has continued to attract huge interest and excitement among bargain-hungry shoppers, with Konga offering best prices and special deals for genuine products from a wide range of leading manufacturers across categories, enabling shoppers save big on their purchases.

TD Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading distributor of tech and lifestyle products, has announced an agreement to distribute select Ring devices in Nigeria.

The agreements revealed at meeting with its resellers on Thursday night in Lagos, TD Africa stated that it will leverage its growing network of channel partners and key resellers in extending the reach of Ring’s cutting-edge solutions to millions of potential users across Nigeria.

By offering Ring devices for the first time in Nigeria, TD Africa and Ring can deliver home security solutions that are accessible and effective. Ring provides reliable, easy-to-install DIY home security products that offer customers peace of mind as they protect their homes.

While using devices like the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd generation), homeowners can see, hear and speak to anyone at their front door, from their compatible phone or tablet – even in the dark.

Ring devices provide an extra layer of security, through a variety of features. With Ring Video Doorbells and Security Cameras, users benefit from Motion Detection, Two-Way Talk, Night Vision, and more, all controllable via the Ring app. Plus, Ring has put features in place across all its devices to ensure privacy, security, and user control remain front and centre. Features vary based on the device and may be subject to a Ring Protect subscription.

The coordinating managing director, TD Africa, Mrs. Chioma Chimere disclosed that, “We are delighted to add Ring to a growing list of globally recognised brands we represent in Nigeria. Through this collaboration, we are confident of bringing the Ring range of intelligent home security solutions to the homes of many Nigerians through our nationwide network of channel partners.

 Also speaking vice president– Emerging Markets, Ring, Mohammad Meraj Hoda said, “At Ring, our mission is to make neighbourhoods safer. We reimagined home security with products like Ring Video Doorbell, Floodlight Cam Wired Pro, and Stick Up Cams.

“Now, we’re excited to work with TD Africa to expand our product availability in Nigeria. We look forward to working together to bring our products to residents and continue to provide peace of mind to more customers around the world,” said.

Ring devices, including video doorbells, indoor and outdoor security cameras and a range of accessories, including solar panels, will be available from April 2023 in stores, shopping centres, malls, tech-focused markets and other retail locations in major cities across Nigeria. Customers can also expect in-store events and online specials to introduce this new product offering.