Africa-Press – Uganda. Technology demand, affordability, and digitalization have increased smartphone usage in the Middle East and Africa. Thus, secondhand and refurbished smartphones are popular, according to the Singapore-based technology market analyst firm Canalys.
The smartphone market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region experienced the highest rate of growth in 2023, reaching 8%, which was primarily influenced by increased affordability, expanding digitalization, and a rising consumer demand for technology, according to the research by Canalys.
Due to pricing, consumer demand in Africa differs significantly throughout nations. For instance, the most popular refurbished mobile phones in Kenya cost about $45, while for about 80% of repaired smartphones one would pay less than $100.
The report cited numerous factors fueling the Middle East and Africa secondhand smartphone market. One of them was inflation that has caused phone makers to raise the price of new devices, especially premium Samsung and Apple models that cost over $1,000.
Lack of reason for smartphone upgrades was another major factor. The research also noted that growing costs of living and limited consumer purchasing power had reduced non-essential purchases.
In addition, governments and organizations are pushing environmental, social, and corporate governance, compelling providers to offer longer warranties, gadget maintenance, and after-sales services to lengthen device lifespans. Improved warranty programs from local players have also enabled consumers to have confidence in purchasing refurbished smartphones.
Furthermore, high import taxes and tariffs on smartphones have driven up retail prices in addition to fluctuations in local currencies, reducing demand for smartphones.
Last but not least, not all in-demand brands make sufficient supplies or do not have official distribution networks, such as Apple.
Among other findings from the study, it is worth noting that last year, only Latin America showed an increase in smartphone shipments (2%) among other regions studied. Asia Pacific (excluding China) and China showed declines of 6% and 5%, while Europe and North America had the largest declines at 9%.
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