Smartphones made up 67 per cent of devices sold by leading Kenyan operator Safaricom in 2013, with 100,000 new devices being purchased every month.
“This growth is attributed to a growing middle class that has increased the uptake of these types of phones,” Safaricom said in a statement.
According to the company 23 per cent of all smartphones sold during through the mobile operator in 2013 were Samsung devices, a number totaling 400,000 units.
“Safaricom will continue championing for the increased penetration of smartphones from the current 67 per cent, with a view to enabling more Kenyans take advantage of the increasing solutions available for business and personal phones through the devices,” said Peter Arina, general manager at Safaricom’s consumer business unit.
The company said the smartphone market is expected to double in the next few years in Africa.
HumanIPO reported earlier this year Android’s mobile operating system (OS), found on numerous smartphones including Samsung’s, had become the most popular mobile OS on the continent.
The proliferation of smartphones, particularly at the low end of the market, is also set to drive internet penetration in Africa.
“Growth is going to come from mobile phones and particularly low-end smartphones that are starting to flood the market,” said Dave Duarte, South African entrepreneur and social media expert.
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