June 3, 2025

As the leading data and analytics platform for global emerging markets, DataSparkle has released its third annual special research report on Africa’s mobile application market - "The Changing Landscape of Africa’s Mobile App Market 2025" . Drawing on dimensions such as user base, growth trends, and market performance, the report delivers a systematic analysis and profound industry insights into the structural evolution of 33 vertical sectors and five major regional markets within Africa’s mobile app market over the past year. Specifically designed to equip app developers, cross-border enterprises, and investment institutions with a panoramic data profile of Africa’s mobile application landscape, the report aims to empower them to refine market strategies and optimize investment decisions.

According to DataSparkle, the digital wave is transforming life across Africa. With its youthful population and a mobile-first approach, the continent's mobile app market is thriving. Mobile apps are not only deeply integrated into daily life but are also demonstrating growing influence across various sectors. By December 2024, active mobile app users in Africa surpassed 380 million, growing 15.4% year-on-year. Africa's mobile app market hit a milestone in 2024 as the number of members in the “Million Club” surpassed 800 apps. The monthly average app usage time in Africa exceeded 88 hours, representing an increase of approximately 6 hours compared to the same period in 2023. Driven by AI advances and local digital needs, games, finance, shopping, maps & navigation are thriving with continuous innovation.

Africa's mobile internet users grew steadily for 14 consecutive years

Africa’s mobile internet user base has shown a significant upward trend. Between 2024 and 2029, the number of users is expected to increase by 353 million, representing a growth rate of 109.5%. Data indicates that since 2011, Africa’s mobile internet users have experienced 14 consecutive years of growth, entering a rapid development phase after 2020, with a notable rise in the annual number of new users. At the same time, the construction of Africa’s mobile communication networks continues to advance. Currently, 3G remains the most widely covered network mode, but 4G is experiencing strong growth.

The 18-34 age group dominates Africa’s mobile user base, with an average daily usage time of 3.95 hours, surpassing the global average. Social, communication, and video players & editors remain the most active categories, reflecting Africa’s evolving digital lifestyle.

Afirca's active mobile app users exceeded 380 million

Africa's mobile app market continues to thrive, with the number of active users steadily climbing. Data shows that from 2022 to December 2024, the active mobile app user base in Africa experienced consistent growth. By December 2024, the number of active users had surpassed 380 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 15.4%. Africa's mobile app market hit a milestone in 2024 as the number of members in the “Million Club” surpassed 800 apps. Games led all categories with 308 apps, with casual games and arcade games comprising over one-third.

The average monthly usage time of mobile apps in Africa has been increasing year by year. By December 2024, the monthly average app usage time in Africa exceeded 88 hours, representing an increase of approximately 6 hours compared to the same period in 2023. From a regional perspective, Northern Africa ranked first with an average monthly usage time exceeding 100 hours. In terms of app categories, social apps dominated with more than 38 hours of average monthly usage, significantly ahead of communication apps, which ranked second with 25 hours. They were followed by video players & editors (nearly 14 hours), games (nearly 12 hours), and sports (nearly 4 hours).

Africa’s mobile app developers exceeded 96,000

With the rapid growth of Africa's mobile app market, global developers are increasingly investing in this emerging market. The number of mobile app developers in Africa has been increasing steadily since 2021, reaching over 96,000 in 2024—a 13.6% growth compared to 2023. These developers have contributed more than 167,000 apps to the African market, marking a 16.6% increase from 2023.

In 2024, Chinese mobile app developers continued to hold a leading position in Africa's mobile app market, contributing 42 of the Top 100 apps by active users. In terms of app categories, Chinese developers dominate in games and video players & editors. Additionally, developers from emerging markets, such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, are accelerating their entry into Africa‘s mobile app market.

Over 200 AI-related apps emerged in Africa

Driven by both global AI technology trends and local digital transformation demands, the number of AI-related apps in Africa saw explosive growth in 2024, with continued market expansion. The number of AI-related apps in the African mobile market reached 215 throughout the year, representing an increase of 52.2% from 2023. By December 2024, the number of AI-related apps monthly active users reached 100 million while total open counts exceeded 2.3 billion for the year.

AI features were primarily adopted in games, photography and productivity apps, leading to innovative solutions tailored to local markets. The development of AI integration varied significantly across regions, where Northern Africa demonstrated the highest level of advancement.

Active gaming users in Africa exceeded 270 million

The African mobile gaming market continued to show strong momentum in 2024. In December 2024, the number of active users in mobile games in Africa exceeded 270 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 9.5%. Western Africa and Eastern Africa led this growth, with active users increasing by 17% and 13% respectively.

A diverse array of gaming genres, ranging from casual and puzzle games to action games, has fostered a thriving ecosystem with steady development. Among various game genres, casual, puzzle and arcade games remained the most popular in the African market. The number of active users in casual and puzzle games surpassed 140 million. Casual games represented around 25% of the market share, with 24 apps ranking among the Top 100 mobile games by active users in Africa.

Meanwhile, the market remains highly accessible to new players, creating opportunities for innovation. In terms of market concentration, mobile games showed the lowest concentration among all mobile apps in Africa in 2024, indicating immense market potential. Specifically, 11 out of 17 game genres in Africa demonstrated market concentration below 50%. By genre, educational and casual games show no dominant market leaders yet, with market concentration below 20%, leaving significant room for further development.

The foregoing content constitutes an excerpt from DataSparkle’s report of The Changing Landscape of Africa’s Mobile App Market 2025. The full report comprises seven key chapters and spans over seventy pages. Read the complete report here.

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