Telecom
Smartphone Volumes Poised to Return to Growth in 2019- IDC

The International Data Corporation (IDC) believes that Smartphone market will experience low single-digit growth from 2019 through the end of its forecast in 2022 after expectations of decline in 2018.
The International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker forecasts worldwide smartphone shipments to decline 0.7% in 2018 to 1.455 billion units, down from 1.465 billion in 2017.
However, IDC believes the market will return to positive growth in the second half of 2018 with volumes up 1.1% compared to the second half of 2017.
In the long-term forecast, IDC expects the overall smartphone market to reach 1.646 billion units shipped in 2022.
Overall, the global smartphone market is healthy and has plenty of upside, which is noted by the return to growth in the forecast.
When breaking down the growth by device type, it is clear that large-screen smartphones (5.5 inch and larger) will lead the charge with volumes of 941.6 million in 2018, accounting for 64.7% of all smartphones, up from 623.2 million units in 2017 and 42.5% share.
By 2022, shipments of these larger screen smartphones will jump to 1.391 billion units, or 84.5% of overall shipment volume.
The industry is experiencing a shift toward higher aspect ratios, at or near 18:9, which require a larger screen to support the widescreen viewing angle.
While the 18:x aspect ratio started with flagship and higher-end devices in 2017, it began to appear in lower-priced devices in 2018, including some sub-$200 handsets.
By Q2 2018, 16:9 smartphones were overtaken by 17.5:9 aspect ratios (or higher) for the first time.
As Chinese brands, such as Huawei, OPPO, vivo, and Xiaomi, expand their international presence, it is likely the focus on large screens and aspect ratios will remain a focus across their entire portfolio.
The anticipation of the new iPhone models this fall, two of which IDC believes will be above 6 inches and available for shipment in the second half of 2018, will act as another catalyst toward driving these important display trends.
Melissa Chau, associate research director with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Device Trackers, said “With two out of three new iPhones expected to be larger than 6 inches, Apple will not be left behind in the 2018 race for increased screen real estate.
“You could say the term ‘phablet’ is becoming less relevant now that most smartphones will ship with larger screens, and when folding screens start coming into play in the medium term, this screen trend will evolve in new directions.”
From a geographic perspective, the China market is finally showing signs of recovery and while IDC still expects the largest market in the world to be down 6.3% in 2018 (slightly worse than the 2017 downturn), that is mainly attributed to an extremely poor first half, which saw smartphone volumes down 11%.
The second half is expected to improve to a decline of 2% before returning to positive growth in 2019.
Asia/Pacific as a region still holds plenty of market growth led by India and Indonesia, which are expected to grow shipments in 2018 by 14.4% and 15.4% respectively.
Ryan Reith, program vice president with IDC’s Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers, said “We still believe the smartphone market has some healthy growth in the years to come, although finding and competing in those markets and segments is increasingly more challenging.
“With the US-China trade tariffs changing and unfolding daily it is hard to pinpoint what the exact impact on the market will be, but for the time being OEMs are pushing forward with important initiatives that include the previously mentioned traction around bigger and better displays.
“But the industry also has 5G knocking at its doors, and many OEMs, retailers, telcos, and supply chain partners will be working diligently to ensure consumers see the need to upgrade when products and services are readily available.”
Platform Highlights shows that Android’s smartphone share will hover around 85% share throughout the forecast.
Volumes are expected to grow at a five-year CAGR of 2.4%, with shipments approaching 1.41 billion in 2022.
Among the more interesting trends happening with Android shipments is that average selling prices (ASPs) are growing at a double-digit pace.
IDC expects Android ASPs to grow 11.4% in 2018 to $262, up from $235 in 2017. IDC expects this upward trajectory to continue through the forecast, but at a more tempered low single-digit rate from 2019 and beyond.
This is a sign of many OEMs slowly migrating their user base upstream to the slightly more expensive handsets.
Overall this is a positive sign that consumers are seeing the benefits of moving to a slightly more premium device than they likely previously owned.
The broad range of colors, screen sizes, features, and brands are a large catalyst for this movement.
iOS: iPhone volumes are expected to grow by 2.1% in 2018 to 220.4 million in total.
IDC is forecasting iPhones to grow at a five-year CAGR of 2.0%, reaching volumes of 238.5 million by 2022.
With larger screen iOS smartphones coming up for launch in the second half of 2018, IDC has shifted greater volumes into the 6-inch to sub-7-inch screen size forecast for iOS.
Products are on schedule to begin shipping in the third quarter and ramping up into the fourth quarter of 2018, with volumes growing to account for half of all iPhones shipped by 2022.
Telecom
How Zabira is Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Financial independence is no longer a distant dream but a daily reality, especially for young entrepreneurs cashing out weekly through innovative platforms like Zabira.
From trading gift cards to paying bills with crypto-converted naira, Zabira is proving to be more than just a fintech app; it’s a complete digital marketplace designed to fuel the ambitions of the next generation of hustlers.
With users reportedly earning up to ₦150,000 weekly from ongoing campaigns, Zabira has become a go-to platform for side income and full-time digital entrepreneurship.
Its frequent cashback campaigns reward both new and existing users, allowing them to earn 2% cashback on their first crypto trade and 3% on their first gift card trade, a simple but powerful incentive that reduces entry barriers for young people stepping into digital finance.
But Zabira isn’t just about trading; it’s about everyday life. In a move to deepen its utility and promote seamless living, the platform has expanded its bill payment business unit. Users can now pay for airtime, data, electricity (PHCN), TV subscriptions, and even fund wallets for platforms like Bet9ja, all within the Zabira App.
Zabira allows users to make utility and other payments directly using crypto. For added flexibility, users can also instantly convert their crypto to naira, removing any limitations and ensuring seamless transactions without bank delays or downtime.
This subtle integration of crypto into daily transactions is a major leap forward in digital financial inclusion. It not only helps normalise the use of digital assets but also provides practical avenues for users to derive real-world value from their crypto holdings.
Zabira also understands the frustrations of online subscriptions, especially when traditional bank cards fail. Through its robust gift card marketplace, users can buy and use cards for platforms like Netflix, Spotify, Google Play, Apple, Amazon, and more.
These cards offer a reliable alternative for accessing services that are increasingly essential for both work and leisure and are especially helpful for digital creatives, remote workers, and students.
Beyond utility, the platform keeps the entrepreneurial spirit alive with bonus campaigns on first-time gift card trades, creating more reasons for users to engage and earn. With every trade, Zabira positions itself not just as a service provider but as a digital enabler supporting users on their financial journey.
In a country where access to financial tools can often feel like a privilege, Zabira is leveling the playing field. Whether you’re a student looking to subscribe to an online course, a freelancer paying for tools, or a small business owner funding your daily operations, Zabira is building the infrastructure that turns these goals into everyday wins.
To get started using Zabira, users can download the app on Android and iOS devices.
Telecom
Driving Digital Inclusion: Anambra’s Mobile Tech Hub Brings Free WiFi to the People

The Geeks & Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS) has taken another bold step in supporting Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of a smart, connected Anambra with the official launch of its Mobile Tech Hub- a custom-built bus bringing free WiFi directly to the people.
Fully equipped with high-speed internet, voice and data services, and backup power, the GEFAS Mobile Tech Hub can connect up to 3,000 people at rallies, campaign grounds, and public spaces: expanding the Solution WiFi initiative already live at over 26 locations across Anambra.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, flagged off the Mobile Tech Hub at a brief ceremony held on Thursday, 24th July 2025, at the Tower of Light, Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard, Awka.
He was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu; the Deputy Chief of Staff/Chief Protocol to the Governor, Chief Chinedu Nwoye; other senior government officials; the media; and the GEFAS community.
Dr. Ibezim, visibly excited as he inspected the hub’s features, described it as an initiative perfectly aligned with what the Governor is doing in the state.
“We don’t expect anything less from Agbata, who is a guru in this field: exactly why the Governor puts square pegs in square holes,” he said, pointing to the sophistication of the project and the Governor’s deliberate choices.
“I hear wherever this vehicle parks, people can connect freely, in line with our mantra of making Anambra a place to live, invest, work, relax, and enjoy
“I thank Agbata for this great feat and assure our government’s support to make Anambra the smart mega city we all desire
He further emphasized that this will not be a one-off.
“Mr. Governor is also working to make this permanent. We are not just going to leave you with one vehicle. So I encourage everyone: wherever you see this bus parked, connect to the free WiFi and get your job done.” he concluded.
Earlier in his remarks, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, GEFAS Convener and MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, said:
“We are here to celebrate innovation made possible by Mr. Governor’s forward-thinking policies, like waiving Right of Way (RoW) charges, which opened up fibre optic expansion and connectivity across Anambra.
“Today, various public places, student lodges, and even four higher institutions in the state already enjoy free WiFi, just as Governor Soludo promised in his People’s Manifesto.
“Now, with this Mobile Tech Hub, wherever the Governor goes during the campaign period, people can enjoy free connectivity and high-speed internet.
“All over the world, we know that when broadband expands, the economy grows.
He added, “Data is expensive these days, so this bus will bring relief to Ndi Anambra.
“Wherever you see it passing through your neighborhood, you can hop online for free- maybe download a movie, a song, or do whatever you like.
It’s a practical solution that the Solution Government is delivering. So, vote Governor Soludo, and let the Solution continue” Agbata concluded.
The bus is set to hit the road in the coming days, following Governor Soludo to campaign grounds and reaching far more neighborhoods in earnest.
With this milestone, GEFAS reaffirms its commitment to helping Anambra become the smart, connected, and prosperous state that every citizen can proudly call home.
Telecom
MTN Media Innovation Programme Fellows Gain Insight into Nigeria’s Connectivity Backbone
Fellows of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) embarked on an intensive industry tour recently, gaining firsthand experience of MTN Nigeria’s infrastructure and learning how technology is shaping the future of connectivity and storytelling.

L-R: Dr Chike Mgbeadichie, Programs Director, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University; Blessings Mosugu, Vice President, MTN Media Innovation Programme Cohort 4; Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Nigeria; Rebecca Edun, Social Director, MTN MIP Cohort 4 and Isaac Ogugua-Ezechukwu, Programs Administrator, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, during the July session of the MTN Media Innovation Program held at the MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, recently.
The day began with a visit to the MTN Cable Landing Station, where the Fellows explored the facility that serves as a gateway for international data traffic. The tour provided insights into the network that powers Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
At the MTN Switch in Aromire, the group observed key operations ensuring seamless connectivity across the country. They were guided through the processes that keep millions of Nigerians connected daily.
Later at MTN’s Head Office in Falomo, the Fellows engaged in two sessions with the company’s executives.
Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, discussed the role of 5G and IoT in driving innovation and storytelling in the media. “5G is not just about speed; it’s an enabler of experiences,” she said. “With ultra-low latency and massive device connectivity, we can deliver high-definition content production, virtual reality experiences and cloud-native workflows that redefine how journalists create and audiences consume media.”
The CMO also noted that MTN’s leadership in 5G since 2022 has opened doors for industries such as healthcare, education, and entertainment to innovate.
In a session on network innovation and digital transformation, MTN’s Chief Technical Officer, Yahaya Ibrahim, shared how the company is leveraging artificial intelligence for demand planning and network optimisation. “AI allows us to predict faults, automate maintenance and plan smarter for Nigeria’s unique needs,” he said.
He also highlighted the technical challenges of maintaining network stability. “From seamless handovers between base stations to combating fibre cuts and vandalism, we work around the clock because connectivity is critical to the economy and to people’s lives,” Ibrahim said.
The day provided Fellows with a comprehensive understanding of MTN’s infrastructure and the technologies shaping Nigeria’s digital future, reinforcing the programme’s goal of empowering media professionals to tell richer, more informed stories about the industry.
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