How Pakistan’s Local Mobile Phone Manufacturing Evolved in 2024

Pakistan’s local mobile phone manufacturing industry has been a cornerstone of the country’s efforts to reduce import dependence, boost the economy, and provide employment opportunities. As of 2024, Pakistan’s Local Mobile Phone Manufacturing continued to grow, marking another significant milestone in the nation’s technological self-reliance.

How Pakistan’s Local Mobile Phone Manufacturing Evolved in 2024

In 2024(Jan-Nov), Pakistan produced approximately 30 million mobile phones through its local manufacturing plants. Among them 17.01 million (65 per cent) devices are smartphones and 11.42 million (35 per cent) are 2G devices. This marks a notable increase compared to the previous years, showcasing the industry’s resilience and adaptability to both domestic and international market demands. By comparison, in 2023, around 27.5 million units were produced, reflecting an impressive year-on-year growth of nearly 9%. This growth highlights the effectiveness of policies aimed at fostering local production and the increasing trust of consumers in domestically manufactured devices.

The growth trajectory of Pakistan’s mobile phone manufacturing industry has been steady over the last few years. In 2022, approximately 24.6 million phones were manufactured, indicating an annual growth rate of around 12% from 2022 to 2023, and a sustained increase in 2024. The upward trend demonstrates the effectiveness of the sector’s long-term strategies, coupled with rising consumer demand.

Companies Contributed to Achieving This Milestone

In 2024 (January to November), several companies manufactured significant quantities of devices in Pakistan, contributing to the growing local production sector. Among them, Infinix led with 3.65 million units, followed by itel at 3.34 million units. Vivo and VGO Tel also made notable contributions, producing 2.57 million and 3.07 million units, respectively. Tech brands like Tecno, Redmi, and Realme followed with 2.53 million, 2.19 million, and 1.61 million units, respectively. Samsung and G Five manufactured 1.26 million and 1.41 million units, while Nokia produced 1.20 million units. These figures highlight the expanding role of local manufacturing in meeting the growing demand for smartphones in Pakistan.

See Also: Local Mobile Manufacturing in Pakistan Surges: Infinix is at Top Spot

Challenges in the Industry

While the increase in local mobile phone production in 2024 is commendable, the industry still faces significant challenges that could hinder its long-term sustainability. The heavy reliance on imported components for assembly raises concerns about the sector’s vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions and currency fluctuations. Moreover, the absence of substantial investment in local research and development limits Pakistan’s ability to innovate and compete with established global brands. Smuggling and the prevalence of unregulated imported devices continue to undercut the local market, undermining efforts to foster a robust manufacturing ecosystem. Without addressing these systemic issues, the growth of this industry may struggle to achieve its full potential.

What’s its Impact on Pakistan’s Digital Landscape and Economy

The growth of local mobile phone manufacturing has profound implications for Pakistan’s digital and economic landscapes.

1. Digital Inclusion: Affordable, locally manufactured mobile phones make smartphones accessible to a broader segment of the population, bridging the digital divide. This accessibility paves the way for greater adoption of e-commerce, digital payments, and online education, driving Pakistan closer to a digitally inclusive society.
2. Job Creation: The expansion of manufacturing facilities generates employment opportunities, contributing to the socio-economic uplift of communities across the country.
3. Foreign Exchange Savings: By reducing dependence on imported finished devices, Pakistan saves millions in foreign exchange, improving its trade balance and economic stability.
4. Boost to Local Innovation: If coupled with investments in research and development, the growth of the local industry could foster technological advancements, positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global smartphone market.
5. Economic Multiplier Effect: The ripple effects of a thriving manufacturing sector extend to allied industries such as logistics, retail, and services, further stimulating economic growth.

However, for these benefits to be fully realized, the government and private sector must collaborate to overcome the challenges faced by the industry. Addressing these issues will ensure that the growth in mobile phone manufacturing becomes a cornerstone of Pakistan’s broader economic and technological advancement.