The Rise of Smartphones in Nigeria

Nigeria is the country with the largest economy and population in Africa. Its population is primarily young and as is repeated the world over, it is that demographic which drives forward the uptake of technology. Mobile phone user numbers are around some 170 million people. Yet, when we talk about smartphones, the numbers drop to about a third to some 56 million.

However, those numbers are expected to improve in the near future. Some specialists and commentators expect there to be some 76 million users by 2023 if the uptake continues its upward curve. By 2025, projected numbers will in all probability reach some 140 million. What could be the impact of such growth, allied with the deployment of 5G technology?

Doors Opened by Technology

A smartphone never comes alone – it has a ‘symbiotic’ relationship with the tech which enables connectivity to the outside world. With the rise of mobile devices also comes the increase in mobile internet usage. According to recent research, mobile broadband penetration directly impacts the country’s economy. A mere 10% increase in internet coverage can increase a country’s GDP up to 2.8%. Between users placing a bet online to e-commerce, online shopping and streaming series as well as using mobile devices for work, many people now spend most of their time online via their mobile devices.

Nigeria is a perfect place for internet entrepreneurship, primarily as a result of its young demographics and rising smartphone ownership. The device is often used for job search, researching supply chains and putting new businesses online. Mobile gambling is also very popular in the country. Nigerians can bet on online casinos and sportsbooks quite legally, either on platforms based in the country or abroad. In fact, Nigerians spend over 730 billion annually.

Political Impacts

Smartphones and mobile internet have been playing a vital role in demonstrations worldwide. Protestors, armed with their phones, could live stream the events. There are abundant records of police brutality and vandalism. The Arab Spring or Euro Maidan are recent examples of this usage.

In Nigeria, movements like #ENDSARS, #occupynigeria, and #Stoprobbingus were made possible via mobile internet. During the 2019 elections, message apps like WhatsApp were used as means to spread political agenda.

5G Deployment

Nigeria was the first country to start the trials for the implementation of 5G technology. Still, it wasn’t the first to put it in place: South Africa and Kenya came first. The 5G internet has enormous potential. Indeed, many experts believe it will start another industrial revolution. A much faster internet can provide the basis for developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

4G was already an impressive improvement over the previous version. Still, 5G connection can be about 100 times faster than 4G. Additionally, 5G has a low latency rate, which means that information travels much faster between devices. Smartphones will play a vital role in the 5G penetration too. Many devices still aren’t ready to support it. Besides, 4G only now took dominance in the country.

Political Roadblocks

5G had to be approved by the Nigerian Senate. The approval came in 2019 after trials conducted by Ericsson and MTN. Yet, a Joint Commission had to be created to dispel fake news and abstruse conspiracy theories. The legal battle was won. The Nigerian Communication Satellite is already relocating one of its satellites.

Conclusion

The growth of smartphone ownership in Nigeria is set to change people’s lives. Better devices and better connectivity impact society not only economically but also politically. The popularization of 5G depends on the popularization of compatible mobile phones.