Nigeria’s smartphone penetration rose to 75 per cent in 2025, strengthening the country’s shift towards a mobile-first digital economy and creating new opportunities across fintech, social media, digital entertainment and emerging artificial intelligence services.
The latest figure was highlighted in a KPMG Africa report on Nigeria’s smartphone market, which points to continued expansion in the number of Nigerians accessing digital products and services through mobile devices.
The increase is significant for businesses developing products for Nigerian consumers, as a larger smartphone population expands the potential market for mobile banking, digital payments, online entertainment and other internet-based services. Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the report also highlights the growing importance of designing products specifically for mobile users.
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The expansion of smartphone adoption is occurring alongside changes in how Nigerians interact with digital platforms. Mobile devices increasingly serve as the entry point for financial services, communication, entertainment and other everyday online activities.
For businesses, the trend places greater emphasis on mobile-optimised products and services. Companies seeking to reach Nigerian consumers must increasingly account for the fact that smartphones are becoming central to how people access the digital economy.
The development also extends to emerging technologies. KPMG Africa identified artificial intelligence services among the areas that could benefit from the continued growth of Nigeria’s smartphone market, as more consumers gain access to devices capable of supporting increasingly sophisticated digital applications.
Lawrence Amadi, Partner and Head of Technology, Media & Telecommunications at KPMG Africa, discussed the findings and the outlook for Nigeria’s mobile-first digital economy in an interview with CNBC Africa.
The rise in smartphone penetration therefore represents more than an increase in device ownership. It points to a widening digital audience for businesses, technology providers and financial service companies operating in Nigeria, while increasing the importance of ensuring their products work effectively on mobile devices.
