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Currency Fluctuations, Weak Demand Impact EMEA PC Market 2Q2015- IDC

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‎PC shipments in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) reached 17.2 million units in the second quarter of 2015, posting a 21.6% decline year-on-year, according to International Data Corporation (IDC).

But, as expected, the market continued to suffer from unfavorable exchange rates which led to higher price points and weaker demand, with the decline deepened by the adverse year-on-year comparison with a very strong first half of 2014, when Windows XP related renewals boosted shipments across the region.

In addition, high inventories translated into lower shipments in this transition quarter, as the industry focuses on stock depletion in preparation for the Windows 10 launch later this summer.

“The second quarter was, as expected, a transition period between the very popular Microsoft Bing promotion, which supported sales over the past four quarters, and the forthcoming launch of Windows 10 at the end of July,” said Chrystelle Labesque, associate director, IDC EMEA Personal Computing.

All three EMEA regions suffered a strong contraction in PC shipments, with Western Europe posting a 19.3% decline, while CEE and MEA both dropped year-on-year, at -24.3% and -25.7% respectively.

Currency fluctuations and inventories contributed to these weak results in all three geographies. Both consumer and commercial segments recorded strong double-digit declines.

Commercial shipments declined 18.9% due to an unfavorable year-on-year comparison with 2014, when many businesses transitioned away from Windows XP and renewed their older devices.

Consumer shipments on the other hand contracted 24%, following the accumulation of Bing inventories across multiple geographies.

The results in both segments were weaker than anticipated, as demand did not meet expectations and many vendors were forced to reduce new shipments to clear inventories and be ready for the launch of new products in time for the back-to-school season.

To benefit from the latest available operating system, some of the back-to-school business has been delayed to later this summer. While portable PCs declined 18.5% across EMEA, desktop PCs posted much weaker results, contracting 26.4%.

This product category is still relevant in the commercial segment, although it is subject to enterprise renewal cycles, while the decline continues in the consumer market, as end users move to mobile devices such as notebooks, tablets, and smartphones.

PC shipments in Western Europe totaled 10.7 million units, with the consumer segment showing the strongest contraction, at -20.8%.

The market was affected by high stock levels, in particular for Windows Bing notebooks, as well as an unfavorable euro/dollar exchange rate which led to an increase in prices and contributed to a slowdown in demand.

Commercial shipments contracted 17.9%, with an adverse year-on-year comparison weighing on the result.

Southern European countries again performed better than the overall Western European market, with Spain and Portugal posting 4% and 2% growth respectively.

Italy contracted by 6%, a much softer decline than the Western European average.

Ongoing Windows XP renewals in the commercial space and the continued economic rebound in these countries contributed to the more positive results.

On the other hand, central and northern European countries all posted declines, affected by high inventory levels, weakening demand, and adverse year-on-year comparisons.

Germany and the Netherlands were the most affected, with PC shipments contracting by as much as 34% and 37% respectively.

“The decline in the consumer market in Western Europe came in line with our expectations,” said Maciek Gornicki, research manager, IDC EMEA Personal Computing. “Strong Bing shipments in the past several quarters led to high inventory levels and we anticipated that the industry would focus on stock depletion this quarter in preparation for the launch of Windows 10 and introduction of new products for the back-to-school season.

“The commercial market results, however, came in lower than expected. It seems that the increase in price points due to adverse currency fluctuations has taken its toll on demand and forced businesses to postpone some renewals. Many companies are also waiting for the new products to be launched with the new CPU platform later this year.”

“The PC market in the overall CEMA region in 2Q15 performed lower than forecast with the Middle East and Africa posting the worst results in years,” said Stefania Lorenz, associate VP, IDC CEMA. “The MEA region reported an overall decline of 25.7%. The major inhibitors were the high inventories across the region, the ongoing political and economic instability, and the currency fluctuations. Turkey, the largest PC market in the region, performed the worst, due to high inventory and the lack of government deals.”

“The PC market in Central Eastern Europe came in as forecast at -24.3%,” said Nikolina Jurisic, product manager, IDC CEMA. “The desktop PC market exhibited a stronger decrease than portables as the XP renewal wave is mostly over and comparisons to 2014 growth rates were unfavorable. The high inventory of portable PCs in most countries at the end of 1Q15 due to the end of the 15in. Microsoft Bing notebook promotion caused a major slowdown in sell-in during the second quarter with vendors and channels focusing on inventory depletion during 2Q.

“The dynamics on a country level were very different. Czech Republic and Poland both reported better results thanks to some deals in the government sector and relatively good consumer demand. The eastern part of the region continues to be negatively affected by devaluation of the local currencies in addition to the economic slowdown.”

“The industry is now focusing on the successful launch of Windows 10 in the coming weeks,” said Labesque. “However, the impact on hardware might be limited in the short term as the free upgrade approach for consumers does not require new hardware in many instances. For enterprises, most companies always conduct tests of the new operating system for several months before upgrading their platform and there, too, it might not require a hardware refresh. Overall, however, a large number of businesses are considering upgrading to Windows 10, supporting the next refresh cycle in the mid-term, particularly on mobile devices.”

Vendor Highlights
The market consolidation trend has been confirmed with the top 3 players consolidating their positions.

However, those vendors that pushed fewer Bing shipments in past quarters have benefited this quarter from year-on-year comparisons.

HP performed better than the overall market, but contracted in both consumer and commercial segments.

Strong results a year ago led to an adverse year-on-year comparison, while significant sell-in of Bing notebooks in past quarters also contributed to lower shipments in 2Q as HP prepares new products for the back-to-school season and Windows 10 launch.

HP results in CEE were strong with shipments growing annually.

Lenovo continued to outperform the competition and to gain shares annually. It maintained second position in the market although the vendor posted a decline in shipments.

High inventory in the channels and weaker demand affected its results.

Dell posted a strong quarter and was third in the EMEA ranking.

Results in commercial PC shipments were better than the market average and Dell increased its share in commercial portable PC shipments in EMEA.

ASUS climbed to fourth place in the ranking but its shipments declined in line with the market.

The limited Bing shipments reduced the vendor’s exposure this quarter.

Acer came in fifth with shipments declining across all EMEA subregions due to weak demand.

The vendor also focused on clearing inventory ahead of the new shipments for the back-to-school season.

Outside the top 5 vendors, Apple had a very strong quarter with growth reaching double-digit levels and market shares growing significantly as the vendor benefited from shipments of its new product portfolio.

Toshiba continued to focus on profitable growth, limiting shipments in some countries, which led to significant contraction, while Fujitsu posted a strong decline due to an adverse year-on-year comparison with 2Q14 when the end of Windows XP related renewals boosted the vendor’s shipments.
MSI came in 9th and Wortmann 10th.


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LG Electronics Showcases Advanced HVAC Solutions at Mega Clima Nigeria 2026

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LG Electronics reaffirmed its position as a leading innovator in climate control and energy-efficient air conditioning solutions with its participation at Mega Clima Nigeria 2026, the 9th International Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Exhibition recognized as the largest HVAC+R sector show in West Africa.

Held at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, the three-day exhibition brought together global manufacturers, distributors, contractors, engineers, and industry stakeholders to explore the future of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technologies across the region.

As one of the featured exhibitors at the event, LG leveraged the platform to showcase a range of advanced HVAC solutions designed to address the growing demand for smarter, more energy-efficient, and scalable cooling systems across residential, commercial, and industrial environments.

With West Africa’s HVAC sector continuing to evolve alongside rapid urbanisation, infrastructure growth, and increasing attention to sustainability, Mega Clima has become a strategic meeting point for conversations around innovation, efficiency, and climate-responsive technologies. The 2026 edition featured over 100 global brands, thousands of professional visitors, technical workshops, and networking opportunities, further positioning the exhibition as a key industry platform within the region.

Showcasing Smart Climate Solutions for Residential and Industrial Needs

At the LG exhibition booth, visitors and stakeholders engaged directly with a range of the company’s advanced HVAC technologies, including the LG Multi V.5 and Multi VS systems, both designed to deliver high-performance cooling while optimising energy consumption.

Speaking during the exhibition, Business Development Manager, LG Electronics Nigeria, Ifeoluwa Babarinsa, highlighted the adaptability and efficiency of the showcased systems, particularly their ability to support multiple indoor units while maintaining low energy consumption.

According to him, the LG Multi V.5 system is designed primarily for industrial and large-scale commercial applications, while the Multi VS system is tailored toward residential use cases, providing flexible solutions for varying environmental and operational demands.

A major highlight of the systems is their scalability, with both solutions capable of connecting to as many as 64 indoor units, offering increased operational flexibility across different building types and installation requirements.

The exhibition also featured several indoor HVAC solutions compatible with the VRF systems, including the Round Cassette, Ceiling Concealed Type Units, and Four-Way Cassette Units.

Particular attention was drawn to the Round Cassette unit, which was presented as an innovative cooling solution suitable for spaces without conventional ceiling structures. The unit also demonstrated enhanced airflow performance through its round-flow air distribution system and faster cooling capabilities.

Through live demonstrations and product engagement sessions, LG provided visitors with practical insight into how modern HVAC technologies can improve comfort, operational efficiency, and energy management across residential and commercial spaces.

Reinforcing LG’s Commitment to Energy Efficiency and Innovation

LG’s participation at Mega Clima Nigeria 2026 reflects the company’s broader commitment to delivering technologies that align with evolving consumer and industry needs, particularly in markets where energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure are becoming increasingly important.

As conversations around environmental sustainability and smart infrastructure continue to shape the future of the HVAC industry, the exhibition provided an opportunity for LG to reinforce the role of intelligent climate solutions in supporting long-term energy optimisation and building performance.

The company’s showcased systems emphasised not only cooling performance, but also operational efficiency, adaptability, and user-focused design, qualities that continue to define LG’s approach to innovation across both consumer and commercial categories.

“This year, we showcased our inverter product range alongside advanced HVAC solutions that reflect LG’s continued commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and smarter climate control technologies. One of the key highlights was our AI-powered VRF solution, the Multi V i, which represents the next phase of intelligent cooling systems we are introducing into the Nigerian market. As the headquarters of LG Electronics West Africa, Nigeria remains a strategic hub for us, and we remain committed to expanding access to innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers and businesses across the region.”

LG’s presence at the exhibition also reflected its continued investment in engaging industry professionals, technical experts, and business stakeholders through platforms that encourage collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technological advancement within the HVAC sector.

Positioning Technology as a Driver of Smarter Living and Infrastructure

Beyond product displays, Mega Clima Nigeria 2026 created a broader conversation around the future of climate control technologies within rapidly developing urban environments. From commercial buildings and hospitality spaces to residential infrastructure, the demand for efficient and intelligent cooling systems continues to grow across the region.

By participating in one of West Africa’s most influential HVAC exhibitions, LG demonstrated its readiness to support this growth through solutions that combine advanced engineering, smart functionality, and energy-conscious performance.

The exhibition further reinforced LG’s philosophy of creating technologies that improve everyday experiences while supporting the broader goals of efficiency, sustainability, and modern living.

As the HVAC industry continues to evolve across Africa, LG remains committed to delivering solutions that not only respond to present demands, but also anticipate the future needs of businesses, homes, and infrastructure across the continent.


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Kaspersky Warns that Scammers are Exploiting World Cup 2026 Travellers

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Kaspersky experts explain which online offers travellers should be cautious of when planning their trip, to avoid spoiling their experience ahead of the upcoming games.

Thousands of fans are expected to attend the World Cup 2026, and many are already handling their travel logistics, purchasing their flights and other transport tickets, booking accommodation, and arranging everything they need to reach the host cities. As interest grows, so does the number of fraudulent schemes that exploit the fact that fans are actively preparing for their upcoming journey.

In late April 2026, Kaspersky experts detected a campaign exploiting the branding of a well-known transport app, targeting users in Mexico. The interface of a fake Spanish-language website, impersonating one of the services, prompts users to enter their phone number and password in order to “claim prizes.” In reality, the attackers are mimicking a trusted brand and attempting to steal users’ credentials from those lured by the promise of a reward.

Some cybercriminals go “a level lower” and post their offers on the dark web. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts discovered a thread advertising such services, published on a shadow forum in March 2026.

The listings included offers for discounted airline tickets, hotel bookings, and match tickets, allegedly at 20% off the original price. These offers are designed to lure users and can be highly dangerous, ultimately resulting in victims losing both their money and any services they expected to receive.

Entrepreneurs and property owners also in the crosshairs

Cybercriminals are also targeting businesses and entrepreneurs at the intersection of the travel industry, which is also involved in the event. Given the high demand for short-term rentals during the tournament, property owners have become an attractive target for scams.

For example, a fake website was discovered requesting account credentials for a well-known platform. In this way, scammers attempt to gain access to property owner accounts, potentially resulting in unauthorised withdrawals and financial losses.

Another common scheme involves fraudsters attempting to extract money from organisations by posing as representatives of well-known airlines and offering fictitious business partnerships. In these emails, they claim to be launching new projects or business expansion initiatives and state that they are actively seeking suppliers or contractors.

If a company representative responds to such an offer, the scammers typically escalate the deception in a subsequent stage. To enhance credibility, they send forged documents for completion and signature, including supplier registration forms and non-disclosure agreements.

The ultimate objective of the fraudsters in this scheme is to induce the organisation to pay a so-called “deposit,” ostensibly required to secure a priority position in a partner selection list.

According to the claims made in the fraudulent communications, this payment would later be fully refunded once the partnership is formally established. In reality, this promise is entirely deceptive. The perpetrators simply appropriate the funds, and no reimbursement is ever made to the victim organisation.

“The travel sector, particularly when it intersects with major events, is a persistent target for a wide range of scams and fraudulent schemes. For end users, it is often difficult to distinguish at first sight between a legitimate website and a spoofed one, or between genuine marketing communications from a reputable service and scam emails.

“We therefore advise treating overly attractive offers with a high degree of caution in order to protect your personal data and financial resources,” says Anna Lazaricheva, senior spam analyst at Kaspersky.


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Meta Platforms Contributed $820m to Nigeria’s Economy in 2025 – Report

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Meta’s family of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, contributed an estimated 820 million dollars in annual economic value to Nigeria in 2025, according to a new report released on Wednesday.

Meta platforms contributed $820m to Nigeria’s economy in 2025 - Report

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The report titled “Nigeria’s Digital Economy” was conducted by independent research firm, Public First, and commissioned by Meta.

It stated that 14 million Nigerian small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) used Meta platforms in 2025 to start, run and grow their businesses.

According to the report, the platforms contributed about two billion dollars to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while generating an estimated 640 million dollars in productivity gains through instant messaging services.

The report noted that 81 per cent of Nigerian businesses surveyed said Meta platforms had helped them expand their customer base beyond their local areas.

It added that the digital tools had reduced customer acquisition costs and enabled businesses in different parts of the country to access wider markets.

The report also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s economy, projecting that AI could contribute 22 billion dollars to the country’s GDP by 2035 under favourable conditions.

It stated that 87 per cent of online Nigerians surveyed believed AI products developed within Africa would play an important role in the continent’s economic growth.

Speaking on the findings, Meta’s Director of Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, Balkissa Ide Siddo, described Nigeria as one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and digitally engaged markets.

According to her, Meta platforms are helping to remove traditional barriers to business growth and enabling entrepreneurs to access broader economic opportunities.

“From a tailor in Lagos reaching customers across the country through Instagram, to a small business owner in Kano taking orders on WhatsApp, to a creator in Abuja building a global audience on Facebook, Meta’s platforms are unlocking real economic opportunity,” she said.

Siddo noted that WhatsApp had become a major gateway for AI adoption in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa.

She added that 93 per cent of Meta AI prompts in the region were made through WhatsApp, indicating that many users were engaging with AI technologies through platforms they already use daily.

The report further stated that 93 per cent of online Nigerian adults surveyed said they felt more connected to wider communities through Meta’s applications.

Also speaking, Alison Neyle, Director at Public First, said the findings reflected the increasing role of digital platforms in supporting entrepreneurship and participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

“Nigeria’s digital transformation is creating new opportunities for businesses, creators and consumers alike.

“With the right combination of infrastructure, platform access and open-source AI, the upside for Nigeria is significant,” Neyle said.

The report projected that Meta’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy could rise to two billion dollars annually as digital adoption deepens and internet access improves across the country.


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