Africa's smartphone market drops 12% in Q1 2026 as rising memory costs drive up prices
By
Faizel Patel
Summary
Africa's smartphone market declined 12% year-on-year in Q1 2026, driven by rising memory prices that increased device costs and limited entry-tier availability. The downturn reshaped the top-five brand rankings: Samsung reclaimed the lead from Tecno, and Honor overtook Infinix, both benefiting from stronger inventory management amid widespread shortages. The decline occurred despite seasonal demand from school reopenings, Valentine's Day, and Ramadan.
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bskyAfrica's smartphone market drops 12% in Q1 2026 as rising memory costs drive up pricescitizen.co.zaKey quotes
· 2 pulledAfrica's smartphone market shrank 12% year-on-year in Q1 2026, as rising memory prices drove up device costs and squeezed entry-tier availability, according to Counterpoint Research's Market Monitor Service.
Samsung reclaimed the number one spot from Tecno, while Honor overtook Infinix, both benefiting from stronger inventories amid widespread shortages.
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