Samsung’s One UI 8 (Android 16) update is now live on several Galaxy devices across East Africa, thanks to its release for phones running the AFR CSC — Samsung’s regional firmware code for this part of the continent. The rollout follows the usual pattern: Korea first, then Europe and Asia, before arriving in AFR markets.
Many Samsung users may not know how updates are grouped regionally, so here’s the quick breakdown. Each Galaxy phone comes with a CSC (Country/Carrier Specific Code), which determines where and when it gets updates. The AFR CSC covers a cluster of East African countries. These include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Sudan, the DRC, Seychelles and Djibouti. So when an update lands for AFR devices, it normally applies across all these markets at once, provided the device is using AFR firmware.
With that in mind, these Samsung Galaxy phones have already received the One UI 8 (Android 16) update across multiple East African countries:
- Galaxy S25 series
- Galaxy S24 series
- Galaxy S24 FE
- Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy A56
- Galaxy A36
- Galaxy S23 series
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy A35
Anyone using these models with AFR firmware in the listed East African countries should already have access to the update or see it soon via the Software Update menu.
Not every eligible phone has picked it up yet, though. The Galaxy A55 is one notable omission, despite receiving the firmware in other regions. Based on Samsung’s rollout history, midrange handsets should continue getting the update in waves over the coming weeks.
To stay informed on pending devices and new rollouts across East Africa, our One UI 8 Update Tracker will be updated as fresh models join the list.
