Strategic Analysis of the Sub Saharan African Mobile Handsets Market

Frost & Sullivan
June 22, 2009
117 Pages - SKU: MC2418869
License type:
Countries covered: Tanzania, Africa

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Strategic Analysis of the Sub Saharan African Mobile Handsets Market quantifies the sub Saharan African mobile handsets market in terms of shipments, identifies key global handset market trends and developments, which have a significant impact on the African market. This research study identifies the key industry challenges, market drivers and market restraints in the African handset market and analyses key mobile applications and technologies that will fuel the demand for handsets. It also highlights key African market opportunities for handset manufacturers and network operators and presents the future trends in the sub Saharan African handset market. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies: global system for mobile communications (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA) and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX). The mobile devices market is covered in this research.

Market Overview

African Mobile Handsets Market on an Upswing, Boosted by the Low-end Devices Segment and the Shift to Higher Tier Devices

The mobile handsets market in Sub Saharan Africa is set to grow significantly, following a considerable period of time after the actual subscriptions have started to decline. The low-end devices segment will continue to accelerate growth in this sector and there is a growing trend of a shift to middle and high-tier devices, by both existing and new subscribers, fuelled by a year-on-year decline in the average selling price of the devices. However, network capabilities in the region are not aligned with device capabilities and the lower economies-of-scale of operators in the region continues to impact the uptake and pricing of devices. “High growth in the new subscriber base is spurring demand for mobile handsets,” says the analyst of this research. “Growth in the low-end devices sector is increasing the availability of relatively affordable handsets.” Mobile subscription growth in Sub Saharan Africa is higher than the global average, thereby boosting demand for mobile devices. As several handset vendors are aware of this fact, they have concerted their efforts to expand their low-end device offerings to more effectively penetrate the region.

However, mobile network capabilities in the region still lag far behind that of mobile devices. As a result, users in the region are deprived of a complete experience despite significant improvements in the devices to support various applications. Additionally, most devices are designed to better support data and broadband applications and the high cost of these services limits the uptake of the devices designed for this purpose. Therefore, low-end devices remain the key driver of growth in this region. Most mobile networks in sub Saharan Africa offer only voice and SMS-centric services. Though there are various applications on devices that could enhance user experience and encourage usage and adoption, they are very expensive, further reducing the uptake of some middle and high-tier devices.

”The current middle-tier devices should become the new low-tier devices in the region, in terms of price and functionality,” concludes the analyst. “Through affordable devices that can support a wider range of data applications, vendors can effectively tap into a fast emerging segment in the region while enabling operators to increase their average revenues per user (ARPU) and data services usage, resulting in a win-win situation for all.”


More Africa Cell Phones Reports

Malawi - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts by Paul Budde Communication Pty Ltd
The Malawi - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts report includes all BuddeComm research data and analysis on this country. Covering trends and developments in telecommunications, ...

Algeria - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts by Paul Budde Communication Pty Ltd
This annual report provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of trends and developments in Algeria’s telecommunications market, including forecasts. Subjects covered include: Key statistics; Market and industry ...

4Q.2011 South Africa Handset Sales Market Share and 2012-2013 Forecast: Mobile Handset Sales in South Africa to rise to 23.6 million in 2013 by IE Market Research Corp.
IEMR’s South Africa Handset Sales Market Share and Forecast covers 14 vendors. We provide estimates and forecasts at the country level based on primary field ...

4Q.2011 Nigeria Handset Sales Market Share and 2012-2013 Forecast: Mobile Handset Sales in Nigeria to rise to 23 million in 2013 by IE Market Research Corp.
IEMR’s Nigeria Handset Sales Market Share and Forecast covers 37 vendors. We provide estimates and forecasts at the country level based on primary field research ...

4Q.2011 Middle East and Africa Handset Sales Market Share and 2012-2013 Forecast: Mobile Handset Sales in Middle East and Africa to rise to 264.9 million in 2013 by IE Market Research Corp.
IEMR’s Middle East and Africa Handset Sales Market Share and Forecast covers 44 vendors in 5 countries. We provide estimates and forecasts at the country ...

See all reports like this >>

More Africa Reports

D&B Country RiskLine Report: Zimbabwe by Dun & Bradstreet Inc.
This D&B Country RiskLine Report will help you analyze the risks, opportunities and likely payment delays when doing business in this country. It includes ...

D&B Country RiskLine Report: Zambia by Dun & Bradstreet Inc.
This D&B Country RiskLine Report will help you analyze the risks, opportunities and likely payment delays when doing business in this country. It includes ...

D&B Country RiskLine Report: Uganda by Dun & Bradstreet Inc.
This D&B Country RiskLine Report will help you analyze the risks, opportunities and likely payment delays when doing business in this country. It includes ...

D&B Country RiskLine Report: Tunisia by Dun & Bradstreet Inc.
This D&B Country RiskLine Report will help you analyze the risks, opportunities and likely payment delays when doing business in this country. It includes ...

D&B Country RiskLine Report: Sudan by Dun & Bradstreet Inc.
This D&B Country RiskLine Report will help you analyze the risks, opportunities and likely payment delays when doing business in this country. It includes ...

See all reports like this >>