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Smartphone 3Q15’s 355.2m Shipments is 2nd Highest Level in S/Quarter

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According to the latest preliminary results from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, vendors shipped a total of 355.2 million smartphones worldwide in the third quarter of 2015 (3Q15), up 6.8% from the 332.6 million units in 3Q14, marking the second highest quarter (S/quarter) of shipments on record.

The 3Q15 shipments were slightly below IDC’s previous forecast of 363.8 million units, largely due to slightly lower than expected iPhone shipments, as well as Android flagship introductions from several top-tier OEMs with price points outside the consumer sweet spot.

“The vendor landscape and product offerings are really unique at the moment as many markets are seeing consumers become more aware of alternative buying options when it comes to paying for their smartphone,” said Ryan Reith, Program Director with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker. “In mature and subsidized markets, we now have a wide range of operators offering equipment installation plans (EIP), as well as early trade-in options. At the same time the number of unlocked/off-contract offerings has increased significantly and it’s slowly starting to resonate with consumers. Within these markets these moves will put pressure directly on Android OEMs with offerings that are greater than $500.”

“The third quarter placed a substantial emphasis on flagship devices as vendors tried to outclass each other in both features and design,” said Anthony Scarsella, Research Manager, Mobile Phones. “New flagship models translated to fiercer competition at the high-end for most players as many will try to challenge both Samsung and Apple for a place among the elite. However, despite the glitz and glamour at the high-end, we still expect the bulk of volume and growth to once again sprout from low to mid-range handsets, particularly in emerging markets.”

Smartphone Vendor Highlights
Samsung once again remained the overall leader in the worldwide smartphone market with 84.5 million units shipped, up 6.1% from last year. Samsung remained focused on premium handsets with the launch of two new flagship devices, the Galaxy S6 edge + and Note5. Beating Apple to the punch with an untraditional August launch for the Note series (and new S6 edge +), Samsung saw stronger than normal September shipments as the new iPhone was yet to be released.

Outside of the key flagship models, sub-$200 devices (Galaxy Core/Grand Prime, J-Series) drove a majority of shipments in many key emerging markets.

Apple’s newest iPhones helped drive third quarter shipments of 48.0 million units, up 22.2% from the 39.3 million units last year.

With a record-breaking 13 million iPhone 6S and 6S Plus units shipped during launch week, the two new models continue to capture upgraders and Android converts alike in many key markets such as China and the United States.

The arrival of the new “S” models brings a new Rose gold color to the table along with Force Touch, improved camera, and a faster processor.

Older iPhone 5S, 6, and 6 Plus models also sold vigorously during the quarter thanks to recent price cuts across all models. Apple’s recently launched upgrade plan should also help drive handset upgrades in developed markets where smartphone saturation continues to increase.

Huawei shipped 26.5 million units, up an impressive 60.9% from last year. Huawei once again focused its efforts on the mid-to-high range as nearly a third of the quarterly shipments were in this price range.

Devices like the Honor 6 Plus and Ascend P8 helped grow the mid-to-high range 25% from last year according to Huawei.

Despite the rapid growth in China and Europe, Huawei will need to focus on the United States where its presence remains relatively low.

The recent launch of the new premium Nexus 6P device could signal that Huawei is finally ready to seriously compete in the U.S.

Lenovo continued to fight its way to the top of the smartphone market with help from its acquired assets in Motorola. In the third quarter, combined shipments of Lenovo and Motorola-branded smartphones reached 18.8 million, which was up 11.1% from a year ago.

Lenovo-branded smartphones have predominantly been a China play, although recently growth has taken off in Middle East & Africa, as well as Central & Eastern Europe. Motorola’s strong markets continue to be North America and Latin America, where its variants of Moto X, G, and E hit on attractive price tiers.

Xiaomi shipped 18.3 million smartphones in 3Q15, bringing its 2015 total to 52.1 million. While the company continues its pursuit of branching off into Southeast Asia, India, and Brazil, China still remains the sweet spot for the company. Within China, Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 2, Redmi 2A Prime, as well as the Mi 4c in the third quarter. The Redmi Note 2 was the most popular model among Chinese consumers and drove volumes through Xiaomi’s retail location known as the Mi Home.

 


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Konga Launches ‘Berekete Sales’ with Up to 50% Discounts Across Major Categories

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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 Launches ‘Berekete Sales’ with Up to 50% Discounts Across Major 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.

 


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Sunil Bharti Mittal Conferred GSMA Lifetime Achievement Award for Transforming Global Telecommunications

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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.

 


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House Probes Fintech Regulation via Public Hearing on New Commission Bill

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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).”

House Probes Fintech Regulation via Public Hearing on New Commission Bill

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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