This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
On October 8, 2019, Rwanda marked a significant milestone in its technological advancement by launching the first smartphone factory in Africa. The Mara Group, a leading business conglomerate, established the factory in Kigali's special economic zone.
The factory has the capacity to manufacture more than 1,200 smartphones per day, while employing over 200 people. This move is aimed at establishing a brand of African-made smartphones, which will compete with global brands in the market.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ashish J. Thakkar, owner of the Mara Group, emphasized the company's goal of manufacturing high-quality smartphones at an affordable price while improving smartphone growth in Africa.
Mara Phones' new factory will manufacture two Android phone models, the Mara X and Mara Z, retailing at $159 (KSh16,000) and $229 (KSh23,000) respectively. The company aims to penetrate the Samsung and Tecno-dominated market by offering affordable and high-quality smartphones.
Furthermore, Mara Group has partnered with local banks and telecommunications firms, enabling users to pay for their phones over a period of two years. This innovative financing option is expected to increase smartphone adoption in Africa.
The Mara Group is set to launch their next Mara Phone factory in South Africa on October 17, 2019.
