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MEA Smartphone Market Sees Steady Growth in Q2 2025, Driven by Premium Demand And Affordable 5G

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The Middle East and Africa (MEA) smartphone market showed resilience in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, recording a 3% year-on-year (YoY) growth, according to Counterpoint’s Market Monitor service.

This marks the region’s second consecutive quarter of expansion, bolstered by stronger local currencies and improving economic conditions.

Senior Analyst Yang Wang noted, “The MEA smartphone market entered 2025 with a strong recovery and is now steadying, with ASPs rising 7% YoY as consumers shift toward higher-end models.”

He added that the sector is undergoing consolidation, with smaller brands struggling to stay competitive while leading players strengthen their positions through differentiated products, partnerships, and expanded offline networks. Chinese brands collectively commanded 59% of the Q2 2025 market, while global leaders such as Samsung and Apple maintained dominance in the premium segment.

The market showed a clear tilt toward premium models, reflecting demand for AI-powered features, 5G connectivity, and high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays. Yet, the budget segment (under $100) remained the largest, driven by migration from feature phones and the rise of financing options.

Mid-range devices priced between $200–$299 lost share, with consumers either moving down to ultra-affordable models or upgrading to higher-end categories, which saw the fastest growth.

Brand Leadership in Q2 2025

South Korean company Samsung, retained its lead with 1% YoY growth, driven by its streamlined portfolio (reduced from 105 to 73 models) and strong mid-range A-series lineup. Trade-in programmes, flexible payments, and AI-focused marketing further reinforced its position.

Transsion Group (TECNO, Infinix, itel) secured 26% of shipments. TECNO led with a 17% share, fueled by a wide distribution network and locally tailored marketing. Infinix posted 14% YoY growth, focusing on youth-oriented campaigns and dual-SIM devices. Meanwhile, itel struggled due to weak positioning and supply disruptions but continued to serve the ultra-low-cost segment under $100.

Xiaomi achieved a 9% YoY increase, though its gains were modest compared to rivals. The brand reduced its portfolio to focus on “hero” models but saw its average selling price fall 8% YoY, signaling overreliance on the $50–$99 range.

Apple stood out with a 28% YoY shipment surge, buoyed by stronger channel penetration and anticipation for the iPhone 17. The iPhone 16e recorded triple-digit quarterly growth, with GCC markets driving premium demand.

5G Adoption Accelerates

5G adoption in Africa is progressing but remains limited compared to global trends, with significant potential to transform economies and societies despite numerous challenges.

Affordable 5G devices were a key growth driver, with adoption reaching 37% in Q2 2025. Brands like TECNO, OPPO, and itel introduced sub-$100 5G smartphones, expanding access.

South Africa benefited from MTN and Vodacom’s 5G investments, aided by favorable tax reforms.

Egypt saw gains from IMEI whitelisting and domestic production.

Kenya’s mobile-first ecosystem, boosted by M-Pesa and microlending, drove strong uptake.

As of 2025, around 30 African countries have launched commercial 5G services, with notable progress in nations like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Botswana, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

The GSMA forecasts that 5G will contribute $11 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy by 2030, with manufacturing (32%) and services (29%) as primary beneficiaries. Analysts estimate 5G could add $2.2 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2034.

Looking Ahead

The MEA market continues to balance demand for both low-cost and premium smartphones. Budget models dominate due to affordability and financing options, while premium devices are increasingly favored by consumers seeking cutting-edge features.

The second quarter of 2025 highlights a market in transition, as budget-friendly entry points remain crucial, but the fastest momentum is in the premium space, positioning MEA as a uniquely dynamic smartphone battleground.

The Social Side of Gambling: How Streaming and TikTok Changed the Scene

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Not that long ago, gambling online was a pretty solitary thing. You’d log in, spin a few reels, maybe play cards for an hour, and that was it. No one knew about your big win unless you texted a friend or bragged at work the next day. Now it’s different. Streaming platforms and TikTok clips have turned gambling into something people watch, share, and talk about. In a weird way, it’s become entertainment for the crowd, not just for the person spinning.

From Quiet Spins to Viral Clips

Take something like an online game Book of RA. When it first showed up back in 2005, it was just another title in a long list. Ancient Egypt theme, expanding symbols, a free spins feature. But it hit a nerve with players and didn’t fade away. Over the years, it became more than just a title you played — it became one you’d see in streams, YouTube compilations, and even memes. There are videos with reactions to the expanding wilds, streamers yelling when they land three books, whole communities built around the vibe of the title. What started as a machine you’d play alone is now something thousands of people can watch together, reacting in real time to the exact same spin. That shift says a lot about how gambling has gone social.

Why People Watch Others Play

The question always comes up: why watch someone else spin instead of just playing yourself? It sounds silly until you’ve actually tuned into a stream. The reality is, it’s not just about watching numbers roll. It’s about the suspense, the shared reactions, and the personalities behind the streams.

A few reasons stand out:

  • Shared thrill – wins feel bigger when a crowd reacts.
  • Entertainment value – streamers crack jokes, tell stories, build tension.
  • Community chat – people bond in the comments, swapping tips or just hyping each other up.
  • Learning – new players see how features work before they try.

It’s similar to why people watch poker tournaments or esports. You’re not only watching the mechanics; you’re watching the drama.

TikTok’s Influence

TikTok added another twist. Instead of long streams, you get short bursts — 30 seconds of pure reaction. Maybe it’s a massive win, maybe it’s the streamer’s ridiculous over-the-top celebration, or sometimes just a funny fail. These quick clips spread like wildfire. People who’ve never touched an online platform end up seeing them in their feed. Suddenly, gambling isn’t just in a lobby — it’s in the middle of pop culture.

The short format has changed the way developers think too. Titles with dramatic features or big visual payoffs naturally fit TikTok better than slow burners. If a clip looks good in ten seconds, it’s more likely to trend.

What Streaming Did for Certain Titles

Streaming didn’t just change how people watch; it actually influenced what stays popular. Some titles exploded because of visibility on Twitch and TikTok. Big Bass Bonanza, for example, turned into a meme because of streamers shouting about “the fisherman.” Gonzo’s Quest kept its relevance long after release because people loved watching Gonzo dance after a win.

Here’s a quick look at how streaming boosted some well-known names:

Title Why It Clicked Online Social Legacy
Book of Ra Suspense of expanding symbols Still streamed, meme-worthy reactions
Gonzo’s Quest Character-driven, avalanche mechanics Gonzo became a mascot, gifs everywhere
Big Bass Bonanza Simple fishing theme + meme potential Viral streamer clips, TikTok dances
Dead or Alive High volatility, huge win potential “Big win” compilations across YouTube

These weren’t just titles people played in silence. They became part of internet culture.

The Double-Edged Sword

Of course, not everything about streaming is positive. The social side can sometimes blur lines between entertainment and risky behavior. Clips don’t always show the losses, just the highs. Someone watching might think it’s always exciting, always big wins. That’s not the reality.

This is why more responsible features are being added. Some streamers are upfront about losses. Platforms have rules about showing balance or promoting responsibly. Viewers are getting smarter too, realizing not every spin is a highlight reel.

Community Over Isolation

The biggest change might simply be that gambling feels less isolated now. A decade ago, if you had a crazy win, maybe a couple of friends knew. Now, thousands of strangers can cheer with you, laugh at your near-miss, or argue about strategies in a chat room.

Streaming created communities where none existed before. Some are casual, just people looking to hang out. Others are intense, analyzing volatility, RTP, and win patterns like it’s sports stats. Either way, the point is the same: you’re not alone anymore.

Where It’s Heading

Looking at trends, the social side is only going to get bigger. A few possibilities:

  • More interactive streams – viewers choosing features, voting on spins.
  • Crossovers with influencers – gambling clips sliding into lifestyle or comedy content.
  • Short-form dominance – TikTok and YouTube Shorts making viral hits faster than ever.
  • VR communities – players hanging out in virtual rooms, watching live dealers together.

Technology and social media don’t just change the mechanics; they change the culture around gambling itself.

Final Thoughts

The shift from solitary play to shared experience is one of the biggest changes in online gambling over the past decade. Titles like Book of Ra, Gonzo’s Quest, and Big Bass didn’t just survive because they were fun to spin — they survived because people loved watching them, reacting to them, and turning them into internet moments.

Streaming and TikTok gave gambling a stage, and suddenly players weren’t just players anymore. They were performers, audiences, communities. The social side made the whole scene louder, messier, more connected. And love it or hate it, that’s probably the way it’s going to stay.

Cold Wallet’s Live USDT Cashback Steals the Spotlight, Leaving XRP and AVAX in a Tug-of-War

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Clarity is hard to come by in an industry where speculation often drowns out substance. XRP continues to wrestle with adoption challenges despite flashes of technical resilience, while Avalanche is building a credible case with its bullish chart structure and surging on-chain activity. Both provide useful markers for how the market interprets value today.

Cold Wallet, however, has stepped into the conversation in a different way: not through projections or headlines, but through actual results. It is already distributing USDT rewards through a live application while simultaneously advancing a structured CWT presale. For those asking which crypto to invest in, Cold Wallet makes a case that blends immediate utility with long-term appreciation potential; a rare combination in a market dominated by speculation.

Cold Wallet Redefines the Question: Which Crypto to Invest In With Working Utility

Cold Wallet is changing expectations around what a presale-backed project can deliver. Rather than promising future breakthroughs, it is paying participants today. Through its functioning self-custody app, users earn USDT cashback instantly on swaps, referrals, and other transactions. Unlike most presales locked behind whitepapers, this project has an ecosystem already in motion.

Its utility-first model is built around rewarding everyday activity. Cashback is active now, while its presale connects present engagement to future benefits. Those who join during Stage 17, where pricing is set at $0.00998, are not simply speculating on an idea; they are linking real-time USDT rewards to upcoming CWT incentives that vest alongside ongoing usage. This dual structure ties the present and the future in a way very few projects have managed.

Momentum is accelerating. Over $6.4 million has already been raised, with more than 754 million units sold to date. The confirmed listing price of $0.3517 translates to a built-in ROI above 3,400%, compressing years of potential growth into a matter of months. By also securing Plus Wallet in a $270 million acquisition, Cold Wallet instantly onboarded 2 million users, showing scale before listing even begins.

For those evaluating which crypto to invest in now, Cold Wallet stands out because it answers the question with immediate results. It doesn’t rely on forecasts or vague roadmaps; it pays in stablecoins today while locking in growth upside tomorrow. This mix of adoption, structure, and real-time performance makes it one of the most compelling cases in the current market.

XRP Market Outlook: Real Numbers Over Optimism

XRP is once again testing its ability to maintain momentum under pressure. Following hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation data, the asset slid nearly 5%, moving closer to the $3.00 support region. A wave of liquidations highlighted the fragile balance between optimism and caution in this market.

Technically, the Relative Strength Index sits near neutral while the MACD continues to reflect a bearish tone. Still, the $3.00 support line has proven durable, giving short-term traders a clear level to monitor. A sustained hold here could provide the foundation for relief rallies, although breaking higher will likely depend on fresh catalysts beyond technical patterns.

For those weighing which crypto to invest in, XRP’s setup is both an opportunity and a warning. Its short-term support levels provide structure, but its longer-term growth still depends on translating regulatory clarity into deeper adoption. Until that materializes, XRP may remain a cautious hold rather than a confident buy.

Avalanche (AVAX) Price Target: Building From Technical Stability

Avalanche is quietly shaping a bullish case that combines structural resilience with real adoption. A W-bottom pattern has formed between $14 and $18, pointing to strong buyer support in that range. Currently priced near $24, it faces a crucial resistance between $25 and $30, where both the 50- and 100-day EMAs converge. A decisive breakout here could clear the path toward $45–$50 initially, with upside targets between $60 and $75 if momentum continues.

What makes Avalanche’s setup compelling is not just the chart, it’s the activity behind it. Stablecoin movement on the network has surged 715% in the past month, showing that actual usage is growing in parallel with its technical formation. That alignment between on-chain data and chart structure strengthens the argument that AVAX could sustain higher levels once resistance is cleared.

This puts Avalanche on the shortlist for anyone asking which crypto to invest in during the next leg of the market. Unlike projects that lean solely on hype cycles, AVAX is layering technical progress with measurable growth in ecosystem activity. If resistance gives way, its targets may not just be technical possibilities but supported outcomes.

Beyond Forecasts: Why Cold Wallet Could Be the Smartest Choice

XRP is working to hold its ground at key support, and Avalanche is building momentum toward critical breakout levels. Both offer structure, but both also require favorable external conditions to push forward. Cold Wallet, by contrast, is rewarding participants immediately with USDT while its presale secures long-term upside at a fixed entry point.

For those scanning the market and asking which best crypto presale to buy in, Cold Wallet represents a rare balance: it combines present-day results with a presale design that scales future rewards. It avoids the pitfalls of overpromising by delivering cashback now, while still offering significant appreciation potential through its confirmed listing structure.

At a time when most projects are defined by speculation and uncertain roadmaps, Cold Wallet is proving that utility, adoption, and growth can exist together. For many, that’s not just an attractive option; it’s the most logical answer to the question of which crypto to invest in before the market catches on.

 

Explore Cold Wallet Now:

Presale: https://purchase.coldwallet.com/

Website: https://coldwallet.com/

X: https://x.com/coldwalletapp

Telegram: https://t.me/ColdWalletAppOfficia

FG to End Multiple Data Submissions with Nigerian Data Exchange Platform (NGDX)

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced that the federal government is set to eliminate the burden of repeated data submissions by Nigerians through the rollout of the Nigerian Data Exchange Platform (NGDX).

For years, citizens have endured the stress of submitting the same personal information and biometrics across multiple government agencies — from NIN registration to driver’s license, Bank Verification Number (BVN), SIM card registration, and international passport applications. The duplication of these processes has not only wasted time but also cost money and created inefficiencies that slowed public service delivery.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop on the NGDX in Abuja on Monday, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, said the NGDX will serve as a unified and secure data exchange system for government institutions.

According to him, this means citizens will no longer need to repeatedly hand over the same personal data each time they interact with an MDA. Instead, authorized agencies will be able to verify and share records on the back end seamlessly.

This reform is expected to save Nigerians time and money while also reducing inefficiencies within the public sector.

Businesses, especially fintechs and service providers that rely heavily on identity verification, also stand to benefit. Faster KYC (Know Your Customer) processes and easier access to government-backed data verification systems could streamline operations for banks, digital lenders, and other service providers.

Inuwa added that the NGDX will go beyond convenience. It will create opportunities for startups and enterprises to innovate in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, fintech, and education technology by enabling the use of anonymized public data.

“The NGDX will open opportunities for innovation, allowing startups and enterprises to build solutions leveraging anonymized public data for improved healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, fintech development, and education technology,” he said.

He described the NGDX as “essential digital infrastructure” comparable to the nationwide fiber optic rollout, stressing that it is a critical piece of Nigeria’s digital economy. He also assured participants that NITDA is working with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, along with other key stakeholders, to ensure its successful rollout.

The Nigeria Data Exchange Platform initiative is backed by the European Union (EU) in Nigeria under its Global Gateway project. Describing the NGDX as a bold step to strengthen Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure, the EU, in a post on its official X handle, said several partners from the EU — including Finland, Estonia, Germany, and France — were part of the Abuja workshop.

The launch of the NGDX comes against the backdrop of longstanding public frustration with overlapping identity systems. In the past, Nigerians were compelled to register separately for the National Identity Number (NIN), BVN, SIM card registration, voter cards, and passports — each requiring fresh biometrics and multiple in-person visits. The duplication was often described as a symbol of government inefficiency and a barrier to building a truly digital economy.

Experts have long argued that harmonization of data was necessary to boost service delivery and reduce fraud. In some cases, Nigerians who already had NIN and BVN were still forced to repeat biometrics during SIM registration, exposing citizens to unnecessary inconvenience.

Comparative context

Nigeria’s move mirrors a growing global trend where governments are investing in national data exchange and interoperability systems to drive efficiency. Countries like Estonia have become global leaders in digital public infrastructure by implementing e-Governance platforms where citizens only provide personal data once — a system widely hailed as a benchmark.

By adopting the NGDX, Nigeria is attempting to follow this path, while also aligning itself with the EU-backed push for global interoperability in digital governance.

If successful, Nigeria’s initiative could not only eliminate one of the most frustrating aspects of public service delivery but also set the stage for a digital transformation that would allow businesses and government institutions to operate with greater speed, transparency, and efficiency.

However, there is concern about data privacy, following an increase in sales and misuse of private data held by MDAs in recent times.

U.S. Flips Trade Balance with Nigeria into $576 Million Surplus in H1 2025

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Egypt strengthens surplus while South Africa deepens deficit, highlighting divergent trade paths in U.S.–Africa relations

The United States has reached a $576 million trade surplus with Nigeria in the first half of 2025, reversing a deficit of $779 million in the same period of 2024.

For context, Nigeria had historically enjoyed the upper hand in trade with the U.S., with oil sales accounting for the bulk of inflows. But the picture has shifted as American refiners reduced reliance on Nigerian crude, while U.S. exports — from machinery and refined petroleum products to agricultural commodities — have risen steadily.

Fresh data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis reveal that stronger American exports into Nigeria and weaker Nigerian shipments to the U.S. powered the reversal. The shift underscores how economic pressures in Nigeria and U.S. tariff adjustments are reshaping one of Africa’s most critical bilateral trade relationships.

Nigeria flips from deficit to surplus

The turnaround in U.S.–Nigeria trade is striking. Between January and June 2025, U.S. exports to Nigeria rose by 41% year-on-year, climbing from $2.36 billion in H1 2024 to $3.34 billion in H1 2025. Imports moved in the opposite direction, falling 12% from $3.14 billion to $2.76 billion. This swing of more than $1.3 billion transformed Nigeria from a deficit position to a net surplus partner for Washington.

The June monthly figures highlight the sharpness of this shift. U.S. exports to Nigeria surged to $919 million, up 196% from $310 million in June 2024. Imports grew more modestly, up 29% from $493 million to $639 million in the same period. Consequently, the monthly balance flipped from a $182 million deficit in June 2024 to a $280 million surplus in June 2025.

Weakness in Nigeria’s industrial capacity, coupled with dollar shortages, is believed to have also created fertile ground for American exporters to capture more of the market.

Africa still drains U.S. balance despite surplus against Nigeria

Nigeria’s reversal, however, did little to alter the broader story of U.S.–Africa trade. The continent as a whole still posted a deficit of $3.69 billion against the U.S. in the first half of 2025, slightly worse than the $3.61 billion deficit in the same period of 2024.

While American exports to Africa jumped 29%, from $15.2 billion in H1 2024 to $19.7 billion in H1 2025, imports rose even faster in absolute terms. They increased by 24%, from $18.9 billion to $23.4 billion, keeping Africa as a net drain on U.S. trade books.

The shift in Nigeria’s balance, therefore, stands out. Only Egypt and Nigeria gave Washington surpluses in 2025, together contributing over $3.3 billion in positive balances. However, these gains were not enough to offset deep deficits elsewhere, especially with South Africa and Algeria.

The regional picture suggests that while U.S. goods are penetrating African markets more effectively, the continent’s commodity exports still outweigh American shipments, particularly in energy, metals, and autos.

Nigeria versus peers

Comparing Nigeria’s performance to its African peers reveals diverging outcomes.

Egypt posted the largest African surplus for the U.S. at $2.73 billion in H1 2025, more than doubling the $1.31 billion surplus in 2024. U.S. exports to Egypt grew 63% from $2.55 billion to $4.16 billion, while imports rose only 15%, from $1.24 billion to $1.43 billion, tilting the balance heavily in Washington’s favor.

South Africa moved in the opposite direction. America’s deficit with the country almost doubled, widening from $3.38 billion in H1 2024 to $6.32 billion in H1 2025. Imports surged by 52%, from $6.24 billion to $9.50 billion, while exports inched up only 11%, from $2.86 billion to $3.18 billion. This imbalance makes South Africa Washington’s most challenging African trade partner.

Algeria remained negative but slightly improved, narrowing its deficit from $844 million in 2024 to $571 million in 2025, largely due to a modest rise in U.S. exports and a drop in imports. Meanwhile, the “Other Africa” category reversed a $77 million surplus in 2024 to a $108 million deficit this year.

Tariff backdrop

The shift in America’s trade balance with Nigeria comes against the backdrop of new U.S. tariff measures on African partners. Beginning August 7, 2025, Washington implemented “reciprocal tariffs” under a revised schedule that set Nigeria’s country rate at 15%.

While Nigeria previously faced a 14% tariff under the April “Liberation Day” order, the revised rate formalized the adjustment. South Africa and Algeria were each assigned 30%, while Egypt remained at the 10% baseline, with its Qualifying Industrial Zone (QIZ) exports still enjoying duty-free access.

These tariffs add to existing most-favored-nation duties and are designed to mirror restrictions faced by U.S. goods in the affected markets. The move has heightened pressure on resource-driven exporters like Nigeria and Algeria, while widening America’s imbalance with South Africa in metals and autos. By contrast, Egypt’s position has been more resilient, as its diversified exports and QIZ framework insulate key sectors from the steepest tariff impacts.

Outlook

Nigeria’s shift from deficit to surplus highlights both structural weaknesses at home and an opportunity for U.S. exporters. Some analysts believe that as long as Nigeria struggles with foreign exchange liquidity and import dependence, Washington’s trade balance will remain tilted in America’s favor.

However, the bigger challenge for Washington is said to be Africa as a whole. While bilateral surpluses with Nigeria and Egypt are noteworthy, they remain insufficient to offset heavy deficits elsewhere.