South Africa: Mobile Phone Market 2025

Mobile Phone Market Size in South Africa

In 2022, the South African mobile phone market increased by 23% to $X, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, consumption showed a temperate increase. Mobile phone consumption peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Mobile Phone Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, the amount of mobile phones exported from South Africa declined notably to X units, falling by -25.7% against 2021 figures. Overall, exports showed a slight setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 73% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X units in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, mobile phone exports reached $X in 2022. In general, exports showed a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 56% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Namibia (X units) was the main destination for mobile phone exports from South Africa, with a 45% share of total exports. Moreover, mobile phone exports to Namibia exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Botswana (X units), twofold. Swaziland (X units) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 16% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Namibia stood at +7.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Botswana (+6.9% per year) and Swaziland (+13.5% per year).

In value terms, Namibia ($X) remains the key foreign market for mobile phones exports from South Africa, comprising 49% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Botswana ($X), with a 24% share of total exports. It was followed by Swaziland, with an 8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Namibia totaled +2.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Botswana (+3.6% per year) and Swaziland (+0.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average mobile phone export price amounted to $X per unit, growing by 44% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a abrupt contraction. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $X per unit in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per unit), while the average price for exports to Swaziland ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the United Arab Emirates (+6.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Mobile Phone Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, overseas purchases of mobile phones increased by 18% to X units, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. In general, imports showed a resilient expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when imports increased by 164%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

In value terms, mobile phone imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, imports continue to indicate a mild expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 78%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Vietnam (X units) constituted the largest mobile phone supplier to South Africa, accounting for a 63% share of total imports. Moreover, mobile phone imports from Vietnam exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X units), twofold. India (X units) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 5.6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Vietnam totaled +20.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (+22.9% per year) and India (-8.1% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of mobile phones to South Africa, comprising 69% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Vietnam ($X), with an 18% share of total imports. It was followed by India, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from China amounted to +10.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Vietnam (+4.5% per year) and India (-0.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average mobile phone import price stood at $X per unit in 2022, rising by 6.1% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a abrupt curtailment. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per unit in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per unit), while the price for Vietnam ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by India (+8.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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