Nigeria’s Smartphone Market Soars 29% Amidst Naira Stability and Recovery
Nigeria’s smartphone sector is experiencing a significant revival, with shipments surging by an impressive 29% in Q3 2025. This robust growth, reported by Omdia, a leading global technology market analyst firm, marks a strong recovery driven primarily by a more stable naira. The rebound signals a positive shift after a challenging period, highlighting the market’s resilience and potential.
Fueling Digital Connectivity: Recovery and Persistent Hurdles
This recent surge isn’t an isolated incident; it builds upon a 10% market recovery observed in Q2 2025 – the fastest growth since Q1 2024. Factors such as easing inflation, sustained currency stability, and the introduction of aggressive device-financing schemes have been instrumental in pulling the sector out of a particularly difficult 2024. For many Nigerians, smartphones represent the essential conduit to the internet, underscoring their critical role in digital inclusion. As of September 2025, Nigeria boasted 140.36 million mobile internet connections. However, despite this connectivity, a significant gap remains, with six out of ten Nigerians still without internet access. The GSMA, the global industry body for telecom operators, attributes this largely to the prohibitive cost of smartphones. A primary challenge continues to be currency volatility. Since nearly all devices are imported, their prices are directly tied to the naira’s exchange rate. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2023 FX reforms, which triggered a sharp currency devaluation, previously pushed smartphone prices beyond the reach of many consumers, significantly hindering market growth.
The strong rebound in Nigeria’s smartphone market is a testament to the positive impact of economic stability. While the 29% growth in Q3 2025 is a significant milestone, the market’s long-term health remains contingent on sustained currency stability and innovative solutions to address device affordability. Bridging the digital divide for the millions still offline will largely depend on these crucial factors, ensuring more Nigerians can access the internet through affordable smartphones.
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