IDC: AI boom to cut Africa PC shipments 25% in Q3

Surging demand for memory to power AI infrastructure is driving up component and PC prices, threatening a deeper slowdown in Africa's PC market. IDC forecasts a 25% drop in African PC shipments in Q3 2026, with South Africa down 25.5%, after a 0.7% decline in Q2.

• IDC expects Africa PC shipments to fall 25% in Q3 2026
• South Africa is forecast to contract 25.5%; the region fell 0.7% in Q2
• Africa accounts for about 1.5% of global PC shipments and is price-sensitive
• Component price pressure is expected to last into 2027 and early 2028