The mobile technology landscape in Nigeria is forever changing, driven by improvements and innovations happening simultaneously in hardware, software as well as connectivity. To catch up with the ongoing digital transformation you need to be aware of the most recent mobile tech trends. This article will take you through some of those biggest Nigerian Mobile Tech Trends that are shaping Nigeria in 2024 with real life examples.
- Emergence of 5G Connectivity
One of the biggest news in the Nigerian mobile tech trend is the emergence of 5G technology. 5G will be delivering ultra fast internet speed, low latency and massive internet of things IOT connectivity that will transform industry verticals.
Impact
- Enhanced Mobile Experience: 5G transmission allows for increased speed of downloading and uploading files, thus enhancing, for instance, streaming and gaming and video calls.
- IoT Integration: More IoT devices are poised to grow in Nigeria as 5G mobility gives dependable and fast lanes to smart homes, and car, and mechanical automations line industries.
- Economic Growth: In their response, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) pointed out that the application of 5G is expected to stimulate several sectors of the nation’s economy and create more employment chances as well as increase the production capacity towards the GDP.
Statistics
According to Telecabal More Nigerians are moving to 4G and 5G networks as telecom operators like MTN and Airtel increase their infrastructure investment nationwide.
Subscriptions for 5G connectivity maintained a steady increase, reaching 1.24% of the country’s total connections as of March this year.
Also, according to statistics by TeleCabal, “The number of MTN’s 5G sites saw the most growth rising from 588 to 2,106 sites and pushing 5G penetration to 11.3% from 3.1%. Also, MTN spent N504.33 billion on its network rollout, while Airtel invested N108.79 billion in the same period. Smartphone vendors also responded by increasing shipments of mostly 4G and 5G enabled devices, with data from Canalys showing a 12% growth in smartphone shipments to Africa in 2023.”
- Smartphone Adoption and Innovation
Affordable Smartphones
Mobile Phone; and particularly smart phones are still accessible to many Nigerians hence the escalated usage as seen in the following picture. Companies such as Tecno, Infinix, and Itel have remained prominent benefiting from the fact that they deal mainly in cheap phones, but are loaded with great features.
Advanced Features
- AI and Machine Learning: The smartphone form in Nigeria is modern with incorporation of AI & Machine Learning features like camera, voice, and text prediction.
- Battery Life and Fast Charging: Battery life and fast charging capability have become common features in most android and phones that compensate for the power issues affecting many Nigerian consumers.
Statistics
“Smartphone shipments to Nigeria have been on the rise, especially in Q1 2024 as evidenced by 12% growth because of high demand of low-end and mid-end smartphones by IDC. Tecno and Infinix are the market leaders, popular to dominate a big share in the market.”
- Mobile Payment Solutions
Growth of Fintech
We must admit that the usage of Fintech solutions, especially mobile payments, is changing financial services in Nigeria. Since many people are still excluded from the formal banking sector in many African countries, mobile payments have become a good option for them.
Popular Mobile Payment Apps
- Paga: Paga, a mobile payment service that is already popular in Nigeria, goes on evolving satisfying its customers in paying bills, transferring money to other people’s mobile or bank account, shopping online etc.
- Opay: Opay which is supported by investors from China provides an entire array of financial services such as ride hailing, food delivery and others and is closely connected to the mobile wallet.
Statistics
“The Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) said mobile payment transactions in Nigeria had risen by 20% in 2023, pointing to increased consumer confidence. Mobile payment platforms that currently boast of having over 40 million active users are gradually becoming relevant in the mode of payment for goods.”
- E-Commerce and Mobile Shopping
Mobile-First E-Commerce
This case of mobile optimization and responsiveness applies to the e-commerce market in Nigeria where a substantial part of e-shopping is done using mobile devices. This is because the affordability of cheap smartphones and better access to mobile internet have been on the rise lately.
Leading E-Commerce Platforms
- Jumia: Being the largest e-commerce company in Africa, Jumia still effectively uses mobile technology such as mobile applications, mobile payments, and recommendation systems.
- Konga: Another major contender is Konga, who takes mobile-friendliness and perfect payment procedure into account to attract mobile buyers.
Statistics
“An analysis done by Statista indicates that in 2023, e-commerce contributed over 60% of the overall e-commerce transactions in Nigeria. This figure is expected to grow even higher because, with the current trends in consumption, the consumer tends to use his/her smartphone to shop.”
- Mobile Health (mHealth) Solutions
Digital Health Platforms
Telemedicine solutions are growing progressively, with the Nigerians now able to access m-health services ranging from distant consultation to health check and care.
Popular mHealth Apps
- Kangpe: Kangpe users can reach certified doctors for consultations and health advice through a smartphone application.
- Lifebank: Through the use of mobile technology especially in the provision of commodities such as blood and oxygen, Lifebank serves hospitals that would otherwise lack such supplies.
Statistics
“The survey according to World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that mHealth implementation is increasing in Nigeria. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), there are now over 5 billion wireless subscribers; over 70% of them reside in low- and middle income countries. This growth is related to the fact that people of all ages require health care facilities, as well as the increased demand for the availability of doctors and other medical personnel amid the challenges of modern society.”
- Social Media and Digital Writing
Influence of Social Media
These modern platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and Tik Tok remain relevant in the lives of people from Nigeria. No wonder these platforms are not only used for social communication but also for generating the content and promoting it.
Rise of Digital Creators
This paper reveals that Nigeria’s digital creators are using mobile media technology to develop quality content that is consumed internationally and where content creators benefit from sponsorship and advertising revenue streams.
Statistics
“DataReportal reveals that the population of active social media users as at January, 2024 was over 36.75 million in Nigeria. Mobile devices have become the preferred means of accessing social media websites; hence, higher expectations for improved cameras and higher data transfer rates.”
- Educational Apps and E-Learning
Growth of EdTech
So, for instance, the EdTech sector of Nigeria is steadily growing and small-scale mobile applications are striving to help learners gain access to quality education and materials.
Popular Educational Apps
- uLesson: The website provides a one-stop learning solution for students in the primary and secondary schools by learning through videos, practice quizzes, and customized learning paths.
- Edmodo: Edmodo is a tool that brings together the learners, teachers as well as the parents where communication and sharing of resources can easily be done
Statistics
“COVID 19 has boosted the e-learning solutions market in Nigeria as the EdTech market is expected to grow at the CAGR of 20.24% from 2023 to 2028 as estimated by Technavio.”
- Gaming and Entertainment
Mobile Gaming
The Nigerian mobile tech trend populace has already embraced mobile gaming and it is of little wonder that many mobile game developers are also emerging in the country. This is due to better performing smartphones, and cheap data tariffs that have come into the market.
Popular Mobile Games
- PUBG Mobile: Nigerian gamers continue to enjoy the game, PUBG Mobile with their Interesting features and updates.
- Candy Crush Saga: Finally, people are enjoying gaming on social networks and casual games, such as Candy Crush Saga, help people to unwind.
Statistics
“A recent macro view report published by NewZoo forecasts the African Gaming Industry will exceed $1 Billion for the first time in 2024.”
Conclusion
Indeed there is impressive growth in mobile technologies in Nigeria and this has been attributed with the growth of connectivity, affordability and innovations.
With the introduction of 5G networks, dexterity, the use of mobiles in finishing errands, solutions like fin-tech, mobile facilities are revolutionizing the way people of Nigeria communicate, engage in business and access services. Hence, as we continue to advance deep into the year 2024, it becomes imperative to continue learning on Nigerian mobile tech trend as a way of harnessing the potential of mobile technology in Nigeria.
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