Today about 20 to 22 million people in South Africa use a smartphone, which accounts for about one third of the country’s population. The overall number of mobile connections is much higher though with more than 90 million, as feature phones are still popular and widely used in the country and on the continent overall. The number of smartphone users is forecast to grow by more than five million though till 2023.

Samsung most popular brand in South Africa

Samsung is currently the leading mobile phone vendor in South Africa. More than 40 percent of devices in use are currently made by the Korean tech giant. The Chinese telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics manufacturer, Huawei, and US-based Apple also have a strong presence in the South African market with a share of more than 15 percent each.

Leading mobile operator: Vodacom

There are three mobile network operators in South Africa which account for about 90 percent of the overall market: Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C. Vodacom, of which British multinational telecommunications company Vodafone holds a majority stake, has the largest share of subscribers with around 40 percent. MTN and Cell C are responsible for around 30 and 17 percent of the market respectively.

The number of smartphone users in South Africa was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 12 million users (+86.83 percent). After the ninth consecutive increasing year, the smartphone user base is estimated to reach 25.83 million users and therefore a new peak in 2029. Notably, the number of smartphone users of was continuously increasing over the past years.Smartphone users here are limited to internet users of any age using a smartphone. The shown figures have been derived from survey data that has been processed to estimate missing demographics.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

The smartphone penetration in South Africa was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total **** percentage points. After the ninth consecutive increasing year, the penetration is estimated to reach ***** percent and therefore a new peak in 2029. Notably, the smartphone penetration of was continuously increasing over the past years. The penetration rate refers to the share of the total population. The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

As of 2024, Samsung led the mobile device market in South Africa with a market share of around ** percent. Apple ranked second with a share of around ** percent, closely followed by Huawei in third.

As of January 2024, most South Africans accessed the internet using a mobile phone: a share of **** percent of internet users connected via this device. Most users adopted smartphones, while only *** percent were connected using feature phones. Furthermore, roughly ** percent used a laptop or a desktop computer to connect to the internet. Personal laptops/desktops were preferred over the ones provided by an employer. Alternatively, only **** percent accessed the internet using smart home devices.

Mobile phone used to pay bills (% age 15+) in South Africa was reported at 14.72 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Mobile phone used to pay bills (% age 15+) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

South Africa: Mobile network coverage, percent of the population: The latest value from 2016 is 99.9 percent, an increase from 99.8 percent in 2015. In comparison, the world average is 94.01 percent, based on data from 138 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 2012 to 2016 is 99.82 percent. The minimum value, 99.8 percent, was reached in 2012 while the maximum of 99.9 percent was recorded in 2016.

Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: Sharp data was reported at 0.000 % in 08 Dec 2024. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % for 07 Dec 2024. Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: Sharp data is updated daily, averaging 0.010 % from Nov 2024 (Median) to 08 Dec 2024, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.040 % in 10 Nov 2024 and a record low of 0.000 % in 08 Dec 2024. Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: Sharp data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share.

Mobile phone used to send money (% age 15+) in South Africa was reported at 29.83 % in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Mobile phone used to send money (% age 15+) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

In 2024, the South African mobile phone market decreased by -56.2% to $814M, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. In general, consumption continues to indicate a abrupt downturn. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $2.1B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Based on a survey conducted in 2021, most South African internet users accessing the internet via their smartphones were aged 25-34 years. That year, almost **** percent of the users were in the age group. Moreover, individuals between 15 and 24 years followed with a share of ** percent.

The South African telecommunications market, valued at approximately ZAR 150 billion (USD 8.5 billion) in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, driven primarily by increasing smartphone penetration, expanding data consumption fueled by the rise of OTT services and the growth of the digital economy. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.32% from 2025 to 2033 projects significant expansion, reaching an estimated ZAR 250 billion (USD 14 billion) by 2033. Key growth drivers include the ongoing rollout of 5G infrastructure, increasing demand for high-speed broadband internet, and the growing adoption of mobile financial services (MFS). However, challenges persist, including the high cost of data, infrastructure limitations in rural areas, and regulatory complexities. The market is segmented by service type (voice, data, OTT, and PayTV), with data services showing the most substantial growth. Competition is fierce among established players like MTN South Africa, Vodacom South Africa, Telkom SA SOC Limited, and Cell C Limited, alongside smaller players vying for market share, particularly in niche segments. This competitive landscape fosters innovation and drives down prices, ultimately benefiting consumers. The market’s future hinges on successful 5G deployment, investment in network infrastructure, and effective regulatory frameworks that promote competition and digital inclusion. The dominance of mobile services within the South African telecommunications market is undeniable. The significant growth in data consumption is largely driven by increasing mobile internet usage, with video streaming and social media applications leading the charge. This necessitates continuous network upgrades and investments in bandwidth capacity to meet consumer demand. While fixed-line services maintain a presence, their growth is comparatively slower than mobile. The success of smaller telecommunication companies hinges on their ability to effectively differentiate themselves through innovative service offerings, targeted marketing, and focusing on specific underserved segments of the market. The potential for growth in rural areas is significant, presenting an opportunity for players to expand their reach and bridge the digital divide. However, challenges related to infrastructure development and affordability must be addressed for sustainable growth. The government’s role in establishing a conducive regulatory environment is crucial to foster innovation and attract further investment in the sector. This report provides a detailed analysis of the South African telecommunications market, covering the period 2019-2033. It offers invaluable insights into market size, trends, key players, and future growth prospects, equipping businesses with the knowledge needed to navigate this dynamic sector. The report utilizes data from 2019-2024 as its historical period, 2025 as the base and estimated year, and forecasts the market from 2025 to 2033. Recent developments include: In October 2022, Vodacom South Africa unveiled the extension of the SD-WAN solution in the country. After successfully deploying its SD-WAN solution to several companies in South Africa, Vodacom Business Africa is now making the service available to customers in all 47 operational nations across its African territory., In October 2022, Telkom SA initiated its 5G high-speed Internet network using technologies from Huawei Technologies, a Chinese company. The operator declared that rather than concentrating on mobile 5G, it would first deploy the network to deliver fixed wireless Internet through 5G.. Key drivers for this market are: Demand of Mobile Phones, Active 5G Roll Out. Potential restraints include: Combining Data from Multiple Data Sources. Notable trends are: Roll Out of 5G.

This statistic shows the mobile phone user share in South Africa by brand in 2016. 41 percent of mobile phone users in South Africa used a Samsung mobile phone.

The Middle East and Africa Refurbished and Used Mobile Phone Market Report is Segmented by Type (Refurbished and Used), Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), and Country (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, South Africa, and the Rest of the Middle East and Africa). The Market Sizes and Forecasts Regarding Value (USD) for all the Above Segments are Provided.

Market Analysis: South Africa Real-Time Payments Industry The South African real-time payments industry is experiencing significant growth, with a projected CAGR of 37.97% from 2019 to 2033. In 2025, the market is estimated to reach a size of $0.41 million, reflecting the increasing adoption of digital payment solutions and the drive towards a cashless society. Key drivers include the rise of e-commerce, digital wallets, and the introduction of new payment technologies. Key Trends and Market Dynamics The real-time payments industry in South Africa is witnessing several key trends: the adoption of contactless payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the growth of mobile payments, driven by smartphone penetration; and the increasing use of instant payment services for cross-border transactions. Additionally, the establishment of the Instant Payments System (IPS) by the South African Reserve Bank has facilitated seamless and rapid interbank payments, further boosting the growth of the industry. Restraints to market expansion include regulatory compliance, cybersecurity concerns, and the availability of reliable infrastructure. Recent developments include: March 2023: The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has announced the launch of PayShap, a real-time rapid payment platform that aims to provide South Africans with safer, quicker, and noticeably more comfortable payment choices. BankservAfrica, the Payments Association of South Africa, and the South African banking community collaborated across industries to create PayShap to modernize the domestic payments business., February 2022: ACI Worldwide partnered with one of South Africa's leading financial services providers, Nedbank, to drive its digital transformation journey, including real-time payments. As part of the migration, Nedbank was expected to utilize ACI Low-Value Real-Time Payments, enabling the bank to offer real-time mobile payments to its customers.. Key drivers for this market are: Increased Smartphone Penetration, Falling Reliance on Traditional Banking; Ease of Convenience. Potential restraints include: Lack of a standard legislative policy remains especially in the case of cross-border transactions. Notable trends are: BFSI is Expected to Drive the Market.

When asked about "Most common mobile data plans", 12 percent of South African respondents answer "3-5 GB". This online survey was conducted in 2024, among 1,984 consumers.

South Africa ZA: Bank Account Ownership at a Financial Institution or with a Mobile-Money-Service Provider: Poorest 40%: % of Population Aged 15+ data was reported at 62.635 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 56.353 % for 2014. South Africa ZA: Bank Account Ownership at a Financial Institution or with a Mobile-Money-Service Provider: Poorest 40%: % of Population Aged 15+ data is updated yearly, averaging 56.353 % from Dec 2011 (Median) to 2017, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 62.635 % in 2017 and a record low of 39.555 % in 2011. South Africa ZA: Bank Account Ownership at a Financial Institution or with a Mobile-Money-Service Provider: Poorest 40%: % of Population Aged 15+ data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank.WDI: Bank Account Ownership. Account denotes the percentage of respondents who report having an account (by themselves or together with someone else) at a bank or another type of financial institution or report personally using a mobile money service in the past 12 months (poorest 40%, share of population ages 15+).; ; Demirguc-Kunt et al., 2018, Global Financial Inclusion Database, World Bank.; Weighted average; Each economy is classified based on the classification of World Bank Group's fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018).

Abstract

The fourth edition of the Global Findex offers a lens into how people accessed and used financial services during the COVID-19 pandemic, when mobility restrictions and health policies drove increased demand for digital services of all kinds.

The Global Findex is the world's most comprehensive database on financial inclusion. It is also the only global demand-side data source allowing for global and regional cross-country analysis to provide a rigorous and multidimensional picture of how adults save, borrow, make payments, and manage financial risks. Global Findex 2021 data were collected from national representative surveys of about 128,000 adults in more than 120 economies. The latest edition follows the 2011, 2014, and 2017 editions, and it includes a number of new series measuring financial health and resilience and contains more granular data on digital payment adoption, including merchant and government payments.

The Global Findex is an indispensable resource for financial service practitioners, policy makers, researchers, and development professionals.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Individual

Kind of data

Observation data/ratings [obs]

Sampling procedure

In most developing economies, Global Findex data have traditionally been collected through face-to-face interviews. Surveys are conducted face-to-face in economies where telephone coverage represents less than 80 percent of the population or where in-person surveying is the customary methodology. However, because of ongoing COVID-19 related mobility restrictions, face-to-face interviewing was not possible in some of these economies in 2021. Phone-based surveys were therefore conducted in 67 economies that had been surveyed face-to-face in 2017. These 67 economies were selected for inclusion based on population size, phone penetration rate, COVID-19 infection rates, and the feasibility of executing phone-based methods where Gallup would otherwise conduct face-to-face data collection, while complying with all government-issued guidance throughout the interviewing process. Gallup takes both mobile phone and landline ownership into consideration. According to Gallup World Poll 2019 data, when face-to-face surveys were last carried out in these economies, at least 80 percent of adults in almost all of them reported mobile phone ownership. All samples are probability-based and nationally representative of the resident adult population. Phone surveys were not a viable option in 17 economies that had been part of previous Global Findex surveys, however, because of low mobile phone ownership and surveying restrictions. Data for these economies will be collected in 2022 and released in 2023.

In economies where face-to-face surveys are conducted, the first stage of sampling is the identification of primary sampling units. These units are stratified by population size, geography, or both, and clustering is achieved through one or more stages of sampling. Where population information is available, sample selection is based on probabilities proportional to population size; otherwise, simple random sampling is used. Random route procedures are used to select sampled households. Unless an outright refusal occurs, interviewers make up to three attempts to survey the sampled household. To increase the probability of contact and completion, attempts are made at different times of the day and, where possible, on different days. If an interview cannot be obtained at the initial sampled household, a simple substitution method is used. Respondents are randomly selected within the selected households. Each eligible household member is listed, and the hand-held survey device randomly selects the household member to be interviewed. For paper surveys, the Kish grid method is used to select the respondent. In economies where cultural restrictions dictate gender matching, respondents are randomly selected from among all eligible adults of the interviewer's gender.

In traditionally phone-based economies, respondent selection follows the same procedure as in previous years, using random digit dialing or a nationally representative list of phone numbers. In most economies where mobile phone and landline penetration is high, a dual sampling frame is used.

The same respondent selection procedure is applied to the new phone-based economies. Dual frame (landline and mobile phone) random digital dialing is used where landline presence and use are 20 percent or higher based on historical Gallup estimates. Mobile phone random digital dialing is used in economies with limited to no landline presence (less than 20 percent).

For landline respondents in economies where mobile phone or landline penetration is 80 percent or higher, random selection of respondents is achieved by using either the latest birthday or household enumeration method. For mobile phone respondents in these economies or in economies where mobile phone or landline penetration is less than 80 percent, no further selection is performed. At least three attempts are made to reach a person in each household, spread over different days and times of day.

Sample size for South Africa is 1014.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

Questionnaires are available on the website.

Sampling error estimates

Estimates of standard errors (which account for sampling error) vary by country and indicator. For country-specific margins of error, please refer to the Methodology section and corresponding table in Demirgüç-Kunt, Asli, Leora Klapper, Dorothe Singer, Saniya Ansar. 2022. The Global Findex Database 2021: Financial Inclusion, Digital Payments, and Resilience in the Age of COVID-19. Washington, DC: World Bank.

South Africa ZA: Bank Account Ownership at a Financial Institution or with a Mobile-Money-Service Provider, Richest 60%: % of Population Aged 15+ data was reported at 73.578 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 79.605 % for 2014. South Africa ZA: Bank Account Ownership at a Financial Institution or with a Mobile-Money-Service Provider, Richest 60%: % of Population Aged 15+ data is updated yearly, averaging 73.578 % from Dec 2011 (Median) to 2017, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 79.605 % in 2014 and a record low of 63.004 % in 2011. South Africa ZA: Bank Account Ownership at a Financial Institution or with a Mobile-Money-Service Provider, Richest 60%: % of Population Aged 15+ data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank.WDI: Bank Account Ownership. Account denotes the percentage of respondents who report having an account (by themselves or together with someone else) at a bank or another type of financial institution or report personally using a mobile money service in the past 12 months (richest 60%, share of population ages 15+).; ; Demirguc-Kunt et al., 2018, Global Financial Inclusion Database, World Bank.; Weighted average; Each economy is classified based on the classification of World Bank Group's fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018).

South Africa Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: TCL data was reported at 0.020 % in 16 May 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.010 % for 15 May 2025. South Africa Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: TCL data is updated daily, averaging 0.030 % from Jun 2024 (Median) to 16 May 2025, with 347 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.120 % in 15 Apr 2025 and a record low of 0.000 % in 21 Aug 2024. South Africa Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Mobile: TCL data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share.