Telecom
Mobiles Poised for Second Lives this Christmas as a Third of Consumers ‘Recycle’ Phones Within the Family
Millions of family members will receive ‘hand-me-down’ mobiles this Christmas, as tech-savvy younger consumers upgrade their phones to the latest model.
However, while globally a third of us will give our old phones to family or friends, around 75% of consumers still have at least one older phone sitting in the junk drawer, according to early figures from a new survey of 10,000 consumers across 26 countries by the GSMA, which represents mobile operators worldwide.
Globally, over 40% of mobile phones have some form of ‘second (or third) life’; being passed down to family members or friends and traded in for newer models, often over the Christmas period.
Around 14% of phones in current use globally were purchased used or refurbished, with nearly 10% of UK consumers buying refurbished phones, compared to a global average of 4%.
The used smartphone market grew by 6% in 2023, while sales of new handsets declined by 4%. Furthermore, the growth rate for reused and refurbished devices is projected to continue outpacing that of new smartphones in the coming years.
However, nearly one-third of consumers hold on to their previous phones as backups, contributing to an estimated 5-10 billion ‘pre-loved’ phones sitting idle worldwide. Many (27%) keep these devices out of concern for losing stored photos and memories, while a further fifth of consumers hold on to their devices because they don’t know what to do with them.
While receiving cash is the strongest incentive to get respondents to hand in their phones for reuse or recycling, equally important is knowing their data would be deleted properly.
Early figures from the GSMA’s global consumer survey into recycling and reuse of mobile devices, which will be released at MWC Barcelona, the mobile industry’s largest annual event in March, also found that:
- The average age of phones before replacement is around 3 years, with the vast majority of phones (75%) lasting between 1-3 years.
- Almost 60% of consumers expect to purchase their next phone within the next two years.
- Older people use phones for longer before replacing them, with over 40% using their phones for longer than 3 years.
- The top two factors that drive replacement of phones are 1) battery life (very important for 90% of consumers) and 2) poor performance / slowing down (87%). 50% said they would replace phones just to get the latest model.
- 75% of respondents had at least one old phone at home not in regular use with nearly half (46%) having at least two old phones.
Encouragingly, nearly half of consumers (49%) said sustainability is a “very important” factor in their next mobile phone purchase, and this is higher amongst younger consumers, demonstrating that interest in more sustainable and circular mobile devices is growing.
Steven Moore, Head of Climate Action at the GSMA, said: “This extensive survey shines a light on how many of us around the world are more aware of the environmental impact of our phones, want to use them for longer, but also want secure and easy ways to trade them in responsibly. With these markets only expected to grow, this presents many opportunities for companies to innovate to serve this demand.”
Reuse and recycling are increasing points of focus for mobile operators worldwide, as they move towards a more circular economy for mobile devices and network equipment –16 mobile operators have signed up to the GSMA’s pace-setting targets on circularity of mobile devices, and the GSMA’s recently launched Equipment Marketplace is helping operators reuse expensive and material-intensive network kit.
Meanwhile countries such as Australia have introduced dedicated targets and even recycling schemes for mobile phones, with positive results – survey results show that Australia has the world’s highest recycling rate for mobiles.
Recycling devices can reduce the need to mine for new materials and avoid environmental impacts while supporting the mobile industry to move towards its ambitious 2050 Net Zero goal.
A refurbished phone has just one-tenth the environmental impact of a newly manufactured phone. The GSMA estimates that if properly recycled, five billion mobile phones – just half of our latest estimate of dormant devices – could recover USD 8 billion worth of gold, palladium, silver, copper, rare earth elements, and other critical minerals, and enough cobalt for 10 million electric car batteries.
Using such materials could help manufacturers develop more robust and secure supply chains and lower the impact of mining operations on biodiversity and communities in sensitive global regions.
At the same time, operators recognise that further work is needed to address concerns that stop people from returning handsets, such as data privacy, the need to save precious memories stored on devices, and the desire to keep a spare device.
Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce platform, Konga, has announced the launch of its highly anticipated Berekete Sales, a nationwide promotional campaign designed to deliver exceptional value to customers across key product categories.
Konga Berekete
The initiative reinforces Konga’s commitment to affordability, accessibility, and innovation while strengthening its position as a trusted retail partner for millions of Nigerians.
The Berekete Sales campaign features discounts of up to 50% on high-demand categories including Home and Kitchen, Computing, Electronics, Beauty, and Personal Care.
Carefully curated to meet both everyday and aspirational needs, the campaign comes at a strategic period that coincides with Ramadan, Lent, and the approaching Eid al-Fitr celebrations, seasons traditionally associated with reflection, generosity, and family-oriented spending.
Speaking on the campaign, Victor Olaleye, Konga Group Head of Marketing, emphasised that the Berekete Sales initiative reflects the company’s understanding of the economic climate and the importance of value-driven retail experiences. “Berekete Sales is about delivering abundance in savings to our customers,” he stated.
“We recognise that this period is significant for many households observing Ramadan and Lent, and we want to ensure they can access premium products at competitive prices.
“Our goal remains to make quality products accessible while maintaining the seamless shopping experience Konga is known for.”
Among the standout offers is a special deal on the Starlink Gen 3 kit, now available at ₦550,000, reduced from its regular price of ₦590,000.
As the authorised distributor, Konga continues to provide customers with reliable access to the high-speed satellite internet solution, further strengthening connectivity options in Nigeria.
Activation services are available in select cities, ensuring a smooth transition to enhanced internet performance.
In addition, technology enthusiasts can take advantage of an exclusive offer on the Huawei Watch 3, with a special promotion that allows customers to receive two units for the price of one at ₦200,000.
This offer underscores Konga’s strategy of delivering premium lifestyle products with unmatched value.
The Berekete Sales campaign also extends to computing solutions, with attractive deals on ASUS laptops, catering to professionals, students, and businesses seeking performance-driven devices at competitive prices.
Furthermore, customers can pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra on Konga and receive gift items worth over ₦500,000 from Samsung, a compelling incentive for early adopters and technology enthusiasts.
By aligning its promotional calendar with key religious seasons, Konga demonstrates cultural awareness while providing practical solutions for customers during Ramadan, Lenten observances, and Eid celebrations.
The campaign ensures that households can upgrade their living spaces, enhance productivity, and invest in quality lifestyle products without straining their budgets.
Beyond the discounts, Konga’s integrated ecosystem, spanning secure payment solutions, nationwide logistics, and reliable customer support, ensures a seamless shopping journey from browsing to delivery.
This operational strength continues to differentiate the brand within Nigeria’s competitive e-commerce landscape.
As consumer expectations evolve, Konga remains focused on delivering not just products but complete retail experiences anchored on trust, transparency, and value. The Berekete Sales campaign is positioned to drive significant traffic, boost sales volumes, and deepen brand loyalty across its growing customer base.
With substantial savings, premium product offerings, and time-sensitive deals, the Berekete Sales As the campaign gains momentum, customers are encouraged to visit Konga.com or any Konga retail store nationwide to take advantage of these limited-time offers.
With its blend of spiritual season sensitivity and high-tech accessibility, Konga continues to set the pace for the future of commerce in Africa.
Telecom
Sunil Bharti Mittal Conferred GSMA Lifetime Achievement Award for Transforming Global Telecommunications
The GSMA has conferred a rare Lifetime Achievement Award on Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, recognising his role in reshaping the global telecommunications landscape and expanding connectivity across operators, governments, businesses and billions of consumers worldwide.
Bestowed on only a handful of industry leaders in the GSMA’s history, the honour recognises contributions that have left an enduring and defining mark on the global communications ecosystem.
The award was presented at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in the distinguished presence of His Majesty Felipe VI, the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, the President of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, and global industry leaders.
A visionary in the telecom sector, Sunil Bharti Mittal has built Bharti Airtel into one of the world’s leading mobile operators, with operations across India and Africa, ranking among the top three globally and serving over half a billion customers.
He pioneered the expansion of mobile services across emerging markets and served as Chairman of the GSMA from 2017 to 2018, where he championed policies that encouraged investment and innovation while strengthening the industry’s commitment to connecting the unconnected and advancing digital inclusion.
He was previously honoured with the GSMA Chairman’s Award in 2008 and again in 2016 for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the global mobile industry and was felicitated at Mobile World Congress in February 2019 in recognition of his Chairmanship.
On receiving the award, Sunil Bharti Mittal said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition and sincerely thank the GSMA for this award. I accept it not only as a personal milestone, but as a tribute to India’s telecom journey, the collective spirit of Bharti, and the rise of Indian telecom companies on the global stage.
Equally the award reflects the progress of an industry that has connected billions and belongs to the customers we serve, the teams who built our institutions, and the partners who believe in the transformative power of connectivity.
Telecommunication is a force that expands opportunity, places essential services in the palm of every individual and unlocks human potential. Helping shape its evolution into a powerful accelerator of modern progress has been a privileged responsibility. As innovation accelerates, we will continue to work with our partners & stakeholders to ensure that growth advances equity and creates lasting opportunity for generations to come.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award is a rare honour, bestowed only on select individuals whose leadership and innovation have left an enduring mark on the industry.
House of Representatives is pushing to regulate Nigeria’s fintech sector through a public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigerian Fintech Regulatory Commission and for Related Matters (HB.2389).”
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas opened the hearing, stressing the need for stakeholder inputs to craft enforceable, constitutional laws addressing regulatory overlaps in digital banking, science, technology, and communications.
Abbas highlighted fintech’s role in Nigeria’s growth via digital payments, blockchain, crowdfunding, and financial inclusion for the unbanked, creating jobs and supporting SMEs under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He warned that lagging regulations cause fragmentation, compliance issues, and investor uncertainty, necessitating a coordinating commission for licensing, supervision, standards, and a level playing field without duplicating bodies like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), SEC, NITDA, or NDIC.
The commission would protect consumers, monitor cybersecurity, ensure data privacy, and promote education while complementing existing regulators.
Committee Chairman Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, overseeing digital banking, banking regulations, science, technology, communications, capital markets, and institutions, called the bill vital for harmonizing oversight amid Nigeria’s rise as Africa’s fintech hub with 430+ firms valued at billions.
Ukpong-Udo emphasized balancing innovation, stability, and coordination to avoid burdens on startups.
Bill sponsor Fuad Kayode Laguda argued the commission would streamline operations currently split among CBN, SEC, NITDA, NOTAP, and FIRS, boosting profitability, user security, and ease of business. He cited 2024-2026 stats: 250-430 firms, $230 billion market projection, $10.6 billion valuation for top nine, and $1.6 billion in mobile transactions.
Fintech stakeholders offered mixed views, with some backing unified regulation and others fearing overlaps with current mandates.
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