E-Business
Holiday Promotions Jerk up EMEA Q4 PC Shipment to 2.0% – IDC

PC shipments in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) reached 25.5 million units in the fourth quarter of 2014, a 2.0% increase year on year, according to International Data Corporation (IDC).
Strong consumer demand during the holiday season helped keep the market at positive levels for the third consecutive quarter, albeit modest and patchy across the region, leading to 5.5% growth for 2014 with 93.3 million PCs shipped in EMEA.
Once again, there were strong regional differences in EMEA.
Western Europe continued to drive growth with shipments increasing 10.7%. In line with expectations, Central and Eastern Europe contracted 18.7%.
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 2.6%.
The market was primarily driven by healthy consumer shipments in Western Europe. Vendors continued to stock up ahead of Christmas and January promotion sales, and before the February change to Bing promotions in mature markets excluding 15in. notebooks.
This resulted in portable PC shipments increasing 5.3% year on year in EMEA. As expected, desktop PC shipments contracted 3.5% during the quarter. Currency fluctuations have also had a strong impact in northern Europe, Russia, and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMA), while an unstable political situation and macroeconomic weaknesses continued to inhibit investments in parts of the region.
The dynamics across EMEA reflect a strong need for renewals in the mature markets, while highlighting that emerging economies continue to struggle.
“The growth in Europe is a positive sign for manufacturers. Past quarters saw consolidation in the market with HP and Lenovo emerging stronger than before,” said Chrystelle Labesque, research manager, IDC EMEA Personal Computing.
In Western Europe, shipments for the holiday season and post-Christmas promotions underpinned the growth particularly in the consumer space. Central Europe did not see any major uplift, whereas France and the U.K. showed solid double-digit percentage growth. Southern Europe (Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Italy) has been on a recovery path after years of decline.
Promotions have been key to driving demand and boosting consumer portable PC shipments by 18.2% and consumer desktops by 13.2%.
The positive impact of the end of Windows XP support on desktops ended, which explained the 3.9% decline in commercial shipments.
In addition, pockets of inventory across the region led to a further drop in sell-in of business desktops.
As expected, commercial demand remained strong for portable PCs, which posted a 12.6% increase. Overall desktop shipment growth in Western Europe reached 1.6% and portable PCs 15.9%.
“PC manufacturers prepared very attractive consumer offers this Christmas, with low price points supported by Windows 8.1 with Bing edition, which enticed end users to renew their devices,” said Maciek Gornicki, senior research analyst, IDC EMEA Personal Computing. “With the conditions of the promotion about to change, inventories have been built up this quarter, contributing further to higher levels of stock in the supply chain, which might translate into deceleration in consumer shipments in the first half of 2015. In the commercial segment, the wave of desktop renewals following the end of Windows XP support ended abruptly, while refreshes of portable PCs related to the introduction of Windows 7 four years ago continued and kept the commercial portable market healthy.”
Stefania Lorenz, associate VP, IDC CEMA, said 2014 ended with the PC market in the CEE region contracting 14% year on year as 4Q followed the trends witnessed in the previous quarters, reporting an annual decrease of 18.7%.
“For the second consecutive year the CEE region contracted by double-digit units,” she said. “2014 was affected mostly by the events in the eastern part of the region. Devaluation of the currencies in Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan has had the biggest impact on purchasing power. All other countries in the region reported healthy demand for the full year with double-digit growth.”
“The PC market in Central Europe reported overall year-on-year growth of 7.9% in 4Q driven by portable PCs,” said Nikolina Jurisic, product manager, IDC CEMA.
“Demand in the consumer space was driven by the continually attractive prices offered by MS Windows 8.1 plus Bing. The commercial sector recorded even stronger year-on-year growth as there is a clear need to replace the outdated installed base in addition to updates from XP operating systems.
“The MEA region recorded positive growth of 2.6% year on year, thanks to the stronger demand witnessed in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. While Saudi Arabia recovers after the introduction of a new labor law in 2013 that had negatively affected the market, expected changes in the import-tax law in Turkey at the beginning of 2015 have certainly contributed to additional electronic products being shipped into the country.”
Vendor Highlights
The top 3 players in EMEA account for more than half of the market and the top 5 for more than 70% following strategic decisions by Samsung and Sony to further invest in the region.
•HP outperformed the market and consolidated its share at more than 23% in EMEA. The vendor made strong gains particularly in the portable PC area with solid 29% growth, taking the lead in both product categories, despite a small contraction in desktop shipments. New products like Stream and convertibles were very prominent during the holiday season promotions.
•Lenovo maintained the strongest growth among the top players, continuously beating market expectations across EMEA and reaching almost 20% share in 4Q. It saw very significant growth in southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal).
•Dell grew faster than the market and consequently gained shares in EMEA. The vendor performed well in portable PCs and particularly in CEE. A consistent and strong strategy execution supported this.
•Acer recorded a softer performance, in part due to an unfavorable year-on-year comparison. Results in Western Europe were better than in the other subregions. Desktop shipments grew slightly while the vendor increased its focus on tablets.
•ASUS continued to grow aggressively in the desktop market, albeit from a small base, while the success in the tablet market seems to have come at the expense of portable PC shipments, which contracted slightly.
Outside the top 5 vendors, Apple ranked sixth, benefiting from stronger consumer demand. Toshiba’s stronger focus on the commercial market explains why it did not fully leverage consumer trends.
Fujitsu’s focus on commercial led to a decline due to the slowdown in the overall business segment. MSI was in ninth place and Wortmann was 10th.
E-Business
Lagos Unveils Cybersecurity Guidelines to Tackle Rising Digital Threats

Lagos state government has unveiled a comprehensive set of cybersecurity guidelines designed to enhance digital safety for businesses, public institutions, and residents across the state.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor
Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for Information and Strategy, said the initiative represents a significant step in Lagos’ ambition to establish itself as a smart, secure, and globally competitive digital hub.
He noted that as one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology ecosystems, Lagos is increasingly exposed to cyber threats, necessitating stronger and more coordinated security measures.
Citing data from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Omotoso, said Nigeria loses over $500 million (about N250 billion) annually to cybercrime, emphasizing the urgency of proactive interventions.
According to him, while the state’s transition into a smart city offers vast opportunities, it also heightens vulnerability to digital attacks.
“The guidelines, available online, provide practical and scalable recommendations for small businesses, large enterprises, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” he said.
He added that the framework aligns with key national regulations, including the Cybercrime Act (2024), the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023), and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (2021).
Omotoso emphasised that the document is not intended as a regulatory instrument but rather as a resource to equip stakeholders with actionable and context-specific guidance.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to fostering a secure digital environment that supports innovation, attracts investment, and strengthens public confidence.
The commissioner commended the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Council, led by Prof. Fene Osakwe, for its contribution to the development of the guidelines, and also acknowledged Tubosun Alake, commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, for his support.
He added that the framework is expected to boost collaboration between the public and private sectors, enabling organisations, from small enterprises to multinational firms, to operate more securely.
Omotoso further noted that the guidelines would be reviewed periodically to keep pace with emerging threats and evolving technologies, stressing that cybersecurity remains central to Lagos’ digital transformation agenda.
E-Business
Laundry Without Interruptions: Why LG Auto Restart Washing Machines Are Perfect for Nigerian Homes

In many Nigerian households, laundry day often comes with an added challenge, unpredictable power supply. A washing cycle that suddenly stops due to a blackout can leave clothes half-washed, soaked, and inconveniently delayed. For families with busy schedules, restarting laundry from scratch is not just frustrating, it wastes time, water, and electricity.

LG Electronics addresses this everyday concern with a simple but powerful innovation: the Auto Restart feature in LG Twin Tub Washing Machines. Designed with real-life Nigerian conditions in mind, this feature ensures your laundry continues seamlessly, even after an unexpected power outage.
Understanding the Auto Restart Feature in LG Washing Machines
The Auto Restart feature allows an LG washing machine to automatically resume its wash cycle from the exact point it stopped when power is interrupted. Instead of resetting the cycle or requiring manual input, the machine retains the previous settings and continues washing once electricity is restored.
This intelligent design removes the need to:
- Restart the wash cycle manually
- Guess how long the clothes were already washed
- Repeat washing unnecessarily
For households experiencing frequent power cuts, Auto Restart turns a common inconvenience into a non-issue.
Why Power-Friendly Washing Machines Matter in Nigeria
Power outages remain part of daily life across many parts of Nigeria. From urban centres to rural communities, sudden electricity interruptions can disrupt household routines, especially when appliances are running.
Traditional washing machines often reset completely after power failure. This can result in:
- Incomplete washing
- Over-washing clothes when cycles are restarted
- Increased water and electricity usage
- More time spent monitoring the laundry
LG’s Auto Restart feature is designed specifically to overcome these challenges, making it a highly practical solution for Nigerian homes.
Key Benefits of LG Auto Restart for Nigerian Households
- Uninterrupted Laundry Experience
With Auto Restart, you don’t need to stay close to your washing machine or worry about power restoration while you’re away. The machine takes care of itself and resumes washing automatically.
- Saves Time, Water, and Energy
Restarting a wash cycle means using extra water and electricity. Auto Restart ensures that no part of the wash is wasted, helping households operate more efficiently.
- Protect Your Clothes
Repeated washing or incorrect restarting can lead to fabric wear. By continuing from the correct wash stage, LG Auto Restart helps maintain proper fabric care.
- Ideal for Busy Families and Professionals
Whether you’re managing a large household or balancing work and home responsibilities, Auto Restart ensures laundry doesn’t become another task that demands constant attention.
LG Twin Tub Washing Machines: Built for Real Living
LG Twin Tub Washing Machines are widely appreciated in Nigeria for their durability, affordability, and strong washing performance. Combined with Auto Restart, these machines become even more responsive to local household needs.
Other features include:
- Powerful wash action for tough stains
- Separate wash and spin tubs for greater control
- Long‑lasting build quality designed for frequent use
- Efficient water usage, especially useful in water‑conscious households
These qualities make LG Twin Tub washing machines a popular choice among Nigerian consumers looking for reliability and value.
Ideal Washing Machine for Areas with Frequent Power Outages
If you live in an area where electricity supply can be unpredictable, choosing a washing machine with Auto Restart is no longer optional but it’s essential. LG washing machines with Auto Restart are especially suitable for:
- Homes with irregular power supply
- Large families with frequent laundry needs
- Users who value convenience and efficiency
- Households looking to reduce water and energy waste
Why LG Washing Machines Stand Out in Nigeria
LG continues to be a trusted name in home appliances across Nigeria due to its focus on durability, smart features, and customer-centric innovation. By designing washing machines that work reliably under local conditions, LG reinforces its position as a brand that understands and responds to everyday challenges.
From Auto Restart technology to powerful wash performance, LG washing machines provide practical solutions that simplify daily life.
Final Thoughts: Less Stress, More Control Over Laundry
Laundry should not depend on the perfect electricity supply and with LG Auto Restart washing machines, it doesn’t have to. By automatically continuing wash cycles after power outages, LG helps Nigerian households enjoy greater convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind.
For anyone searching for the best washing machine for power cuts in Nigeria, LG washing machines with Auto Restart offer a smart, reliable, and stress‑free solution – every wash, every time.
For more information, visit https://www.lg.com/africa/twin-tub-washing-machines
E-Business
Access Holdings, Coronation Partner Tate Modern to Spotlight Nigerian Modernism

Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group have partnered with Tate Modern to commemorate World Art Day with a virtual session highlighting the global significance of Nigerian modernism.

Access Holdings
The event, titled “In Conversation with Osei Bonsu: Inside Nigerian Modernism,” featured a virtual tour of the Nigerian Modernism exhibition and discussions on the evolution of modern art in Nigeria.
The session brought together staff members across both organisations, reflecting growing institutional engagement with arts and culture as a driver of societal development.
Speaking at the event, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer of Coronation Group, Ngozi Akinyele, emphasised the role of art in shaping identity and national development.
She said that beyond financial capital, cultural and intellectual capital are essential in defining a nation’s prosperity and inspiring dialogue.
Akinyele noted that both organisations were committed to democratising access to art, ensuring it is accessible to a wider audience rather than a select few.
The discussion also featured insights from Tate Modern Curator, Osei Bonsu, and art expert Daniel Wallis, who examined the development of Nigerian modernism and its global relevance.
Bonsu said Nigerian modernism represents an independent reimagining of global art, rooted in the country’s diverse cultural heritage and expressed through unique visual languages.
According to him, the movement challenges narrow, Eurocentric definitions of modernism and highlights the richness of African artistic expression.
The session further underscored the growing international recognition of Nigerian art, particularly through exhibitions at Tate Modern.
Participants also reflected on the visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the exhibition, described as a milestone in promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage globally.
In his closing remarks, Chief Communications Officer of Access Holdings, Amaechi Okobi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing African narratives on the global stage.
He said the collaboration with Tate Modern aligns with broader efforts to promote dialogue, preserve cultural identity and support the creative sector.
The event reinforced a shared commitment by Access Holdings, Coronation Group and Tate Modern to elevate African art globally and ensure Nigerian cultural narratives continue to shape international conversations.
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