With multiple phone manufacturers battling to obtain or maintain a market share in the African smartphone market, many don’t know what to consider when making a smartphone for Africa. They claim to make phones for the global market ignoring the uniqueness of the African markets or the challenges they face.

African markets have peculiar needs that western markets may not have. So when you want to make a Smartphone for Africa, consider these things.

Not All Of Africa Is On The National Grid

With the exception of a few countries, it’s common knowledge that apart from major towns, a lot of Africa cannot access electricity and is in darkness yet they still own phones.

trip to a couple of villages in Mityana a district in Central Uganda revealed that even though majority of the adult village population owned a phone, they had to incur heavy costs in charging the phone due to lack of electricity. Individuals have actually made businesses out of Solar Phone charging.

Secondly, the need for light becomes apparent as a majority of the population use kerosene lamps for light. A torch then becomes handy in this case. Many Chinese Phone manufacturers have taken advantage of this and sold millions of phone pieces just because the Phone ships with an inbuilt torch or flashlight which is a necessary source of light.

Nokia did the same with its 1100 feature phone. Even in the urban areas, regular power outages, unlit streets and roads create the need for a torch making this a cross cutting need from both the rural to the urban dwellers.

The Need For A Long Lasting Battery Is Glaringly Visible

In the feature phone era, Nokia made a big kill off phones marketing them as having a long lasting battery which it still does. Their new feature phone boasts of a one month battery life as per the ads. People wanted batteries that could take them days or even a week on a single charge and many a times were willing to pay premium for the same.

This has however failed to translate in the Smartphone era and no amount of marketing can convince people on the issue. Smartphone batteries are all the same; the best of them lasts for up to a day on a single charge requiring the user to charge daily. Manufacturers resorted to packing as many mAh as they could in the battery but that didn’t help either.

like Mugen Power saw the need and are now selling replaceable or alternative batteries and power banks. They have even gone as far as to design batteries to replace the original Phone batteries at the cost of the sleek design.

If you have seen sleek phones with a bulging back cover, that is one of them. What this says is that users are willing to sacrifice design for functionality. With the rise of 4G LTE which further consumes battery, we need to see innovation on the front of making batteries that can ably run these devices.

Recently, Tecno released its flagship phone the Tecno Phantom which has gone on to make a mark on the smartphone markets in Africa . The Phone ships with a 2100 mAh battery and a 2200 mAh External Battery Bank. In Nigeria, that alone was able to drive sales up that the likes of Nokia and Samsung had to offer battery banks with their devices too so as to sell. We believe that this is a start of Thinking Africa when designing a smart phone

Radio And TV Are Still Important

In the West, Smartphone users can stream content on their phones due to wide access and affordability of Internet. As a result, they listen to online radio and watch online TV or stream movies from providers such as iTunes, HULU , Netflix etc without feeling the pinch in terms of costs of data.

Try that here in Africa and; you will not be able to access online TV because of lack of availability of the service in Africa or the lack of payments systems to let you purchase the content. This leaves you with YouTube and a couple of other streaming services.

In Africa, we still listen to Radio and Radio is still the biggest tool of mass communication as it can be accessed in almost all parts of a country. Even when some smartphone manufacturers are neglecting radio as not so cool a feature, it’s still an essential element in Africa.

As for TV, There’s this time when Chinese TV phones hit the Ugandan market and Oh my God everyone was watching TV on their phones. I remember a woman conveniently catching her favorite soap opera in a Taxi back home due to traffic as other woman told her to raise the volume so they could listen in since they couldn’t watch together.

Unfortunately this hasn’t been commercialized yet and the like of Startimes and DSTV are making efforts to market mobile TV which I believe has the potential to make a big come back.

Dual SIM Feature Necessary

Gone are the days when Telecoms were a monopoly and phones were for the rich. We even had to pay monthly service fee to stay on air and then buy airtime to make calls at exorbitantly high tariffs.

As The telecom sector was liberalized and phones became affordable, Many saw a need to own two phones to take advantage of tariffs, promotions and network coverage among others. Providing a dual SIM phone solves the need of bulging ones pockets with two phones.

SD Memory Card

Another feature that accelerated the adoption of the Chinese feature phones is that they came with an SD card enabling users enjoy the benefits that were previously enjoyed only on high end phones. Users were able to load and enjoy all their content (Photos, Music and Videos). My assumption is that being able to enjoy content on a feature phone actually prepares an individual for their first smartphone.

Africa Still Needs USSD

Friendly Prices

The African economic terrain is difficult and in order to obtain and retain a market share, the issue of price comes to point. When the price is too high, then many will not be able to afford but should it be affordable, there’s a possibility of mass adoption.

Case in point is the $100 Huawei Ideos with Google that many believe was responsible for Android penetration in many African countries. Being able to give users an option between affordable entry level devices and pricey high end phones increases Smartphone Adoption alongside internet penetration.

Distribution: If Its Not Here Then Its Not For Africa

If a phone is to qualify to be for Africa, It has to be easily accessible and readily available. A customer should be able to walk into various dealerships all over the country and access a genuine feature or smartphone. A case in point here is how Tecno has used downtown dealers popularly known for fake phones to widen their distribution across the country.

Care Centers And A Warranty

People are bound to get issues with their phones but after sacrificing a good amount of money to purchase one, no one wants to spend more repairing the phone. So a functional warranty where people can get their minor phone issues repaired is a must when you are making phones for Africa. Samsung has done this with its Care Centres.

Surprisingly Tecno ships their flagships with an inbuilt app showing you locations and contacts of their various Carlcare centres spread across the country. I experimented and bought a Tecno Phantom smartphone from one of these “Fake Phone” downtown dealers and interestingly the phone got issues just 3 weeks into buying it but I was able to get it repaired at the Carlcare centre as it was still under the 13 months warranty regardless of where I bought it from.

Image: DW

About Onyait Odeke

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

  • SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
  • Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
  • Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
  • Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

  • CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
  • MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
  • MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
  • TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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