The International Data Corporation (IDC) has found that slow economic growth, the rising cost of necessities and a growing mobile market have lead to PC’s losing as much as 26.7% of their market share on the African continent over the second quarter of 2015.

The largest fall was recorded in Kenya, where PC shipments fell by as much as 54.5% year-on-year. A media statement by research analyst Joseph Hlongwane from IDC Sub-Saharan Africa said “The significant decrease in PC demand seen in Kenya can be attributed to sluggish economic growth brought about by falling exports, and a declining production sector that is characterised by slow job creation”.

Hlongwane went on to explain why two other African markets have experienced PC sales declines of 40.9% and 40.2% respectively: “The poor performances of the markets in Ghana and Algeria were also caused by a slowdown in economic growth arising from severe energy constraints and unsustainable levels of domestic and external debt.”

South Africa currently has the largest PC market on the continent, accounting for 35.5% of all PC shipments to Africa. This could be better, though, as sales saw a 4.8% decline in Q1 and a 12.8% decline in Q2. This trend is set continue as more South Africans migrate to smartphones. The IDC says the rising cost of fuel and food also contribute to that decline.

Botswana however, has reported the highest year-on-year growth in the African PC market with sales in the commercial sector accounting for 87.6% of the market. This is likely attributed to the successful democratic elections that took place last year.

While Botswana is expected to see additional growth in its PC market over the rest of the year, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Algeria are expected to report more losses until the festive season.

[Source – IDC]