This archive report was first published on 11 November 2019.
Kenya's smartphone market is about to get a new player - Vivo, the fifth-largest smartphone maker in the world and the second in Asia. The Indian firm plans to launch a regional office in Nairobi, marking its entry into the East African market.
With a crowded market dominated by brands such as Techno, Samsung, Infinix, Huawei, Apple, and Oppo, Vivo is set to face stiff competition. However, the company is confident that its mid-level phones, suitable for the continent's growing middle class, will give it an edge.
According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), the worldwide mobile phone market is expected to reach 1,775.5 million unit shipments in 2019, down 5.9% from 1,887.7 million units shipped in 2018. The market is expected to dip further to 1,720.1 million units worldwide by 2023.
“The continuing trend of elongated refresh cycles continues to put a damper on the overall smartphone market,” said Anthony Scarsella, research manager with IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker.
Arthur Xian, Vivo Kenya's General Manager, said the company chose Kenya as an entry point due to the country's high ranking in technology uptake. He also highlighted the firm's flagship mid-range smartphone, which features the world's first 32MP Dual Pop-Up elevating front cameras.
