Western Africa: Mobile Phone Market 2024

Mobile Phone Market Size in Western Africa

The West African mobile phone market fell slightly to $X in 2022, leveling off at the previous year. The total consumption indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -2.4% against 2017 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Mobile Phone Production in Western Africa

In value terms, mobile phone production declined slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -15.3% against 2017 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 51% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Mobile Phone Exports

Exports in Western Africa

In 2022, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas shipments of mobile phones, when their volume decreased by -14.4% to X units. In general, exports faced a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 195% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X units. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, mobile phone exports fell rapidly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports showed a deep contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 110% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Nigeria was the key exporting country with an export of about X units, which reached 57% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Cote d'Ivoire (X units), Ghana (X units) and Sierra Leone (X units), together committing a 37% share of total exports. Liberia (X units) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Exports from Nigeria decreased at an average annual rate of -21.3% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Sierra Leone (+17.3%) and Cote d'Ivoire (+5.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Sierra Leone emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Western Africa, with a CAGR of +17.3% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Liberia (-1.7%) and Ghana (-16.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone increased by +18 and +5.4 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Nigeria ($X) remains the largest mobile phone supplier in Western Africa, comprising 46% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Cote d'Ivoire ($X), with a 22% share of total exports. It was followed by Ghana, with a 15% share.

In Nigeria, mobile phone exports plunged by an average annual rate of -20.9% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Cote d'Ivoire (+6.1% per year) and Ghana (-13.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Western Africa stood at $X per unit in 2022, dropping by -2% against the previous year. Export price indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, mobile phone export price decreased by -41.0% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 an increase of 58% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per unit in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Liberia ($X per unit), while Nigeria ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Liberia (+11.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Mobile Phone Imports

Imports in Western Africa

For the third year in a row, Western Africa recorded growth in overseas purchases of mobile phones, which increased by 24% to X units in 2022. Overall, imports continue to indicate a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 134% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, mobile phone imports soared to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports recorded a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 89% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

Ghana represented the key importer of mobile phones in Western Africa, with the volume of imports reaching X units, which was near 47% of total imports in 2022. Mali (X units) held a 25% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Guinea (16%). Liberia (X units), Cote d'Ivoire (X units) and Senegal (X units) held a little share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Mali (with a CAGR of +66.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Mali ($X), Ghana ($X) and Senegal ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, with a combined 72% share of total imports.

Mali, with a CAGR of +51.2%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Western Africa stood at $X per unit in 2022, with a decrease of -4.7% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a drastic downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 52% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per unit in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Senegal (+5.0%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :