However, price remains to be a prohibitive factor in increasing mobile smartphone penetration in Africa.
Vendors across the globe are looking at putting a mobile handset into the hands of every user in Africa. As telecoms approach 100% mobile coverage in most countries, beefing up their networks to faster and latest mobile technologies, mobile device vendors are also hard at work making their devices even more smarter. The result will be outstanding. More users will be connected to the information grid and have access to basic information and communication services. The consequences will be social and economic growth as this study done in India confirms.
As we earlier documented , the journey to building cheap and affordable smartphones for sub-Saharan African started with the legendary Android-based Google Huawei Ideos. The sub $100 smartphone surpassed industry observers’ expectations. Sold through Safaricom stores, over 500,000 units were sold in Kenya alone increasing on smartphone penetration in the region. In Uganda, MTN reportedly also had great turnover with the device. But that was about 4 years ago. By last year, about 60 million smartphones of the 616 million mobile activations are estimated to be in Africa according to a study done by iHub Research in Kenya. That’s a remarkably small figure.
Following on its Google Ideos success 4 years ago, Google in September this year announced “Android one” program — a $100 feature-rich Android-based smartphone made to increase on the smartphone penetration in emerging markets such as India, Indonesia, Philippines and South Asia. The device is made in partnership with hardware partners like Micromax, Karbonn, Spice and chipmaker MediaTek. It boosts great features and Specs such as 5MP camera,1GB RAM, 4GB storage space, 1.3GHz quad-core processors, all-day-long 1,700mAh battery for such as low price point. However, that cost is simply still way of reach for ordinary African mobile users. Even more disappointing is that Google didn’t make any mentions of the device’s availability in Africa.
Other vendors however, like new-comer Mozilla insist on a much lower price point. The foundation that’s behind the popular Mozilla Firefox browser mid this year announced that it would start selling low-cost $25 Firefox OS-based smartphones in India and Indonesia within the “next few months”. The organization has previously worked with vendors like ZTE and Alcatel to release prototype Firefox OS-based handsets such as the ZTE Open that cost about $100. Now the organization is aiming a lot more higher by bringing two India- based low-cost handset makers, Intex and Spice, to develop the low-price phones. However, it’s coming to more than 6 months after and we still haven’t heard much from Mozilla.
So who will bring the ultimate $50 smartphone to the pockets of money mobile users in Africa? Will it be Apple, HTC, Samsung, Microsoft? Am afraid not! All these vendors are entangled in features-wars of bigger screen sizes, sharper screen displays, faster processors, gimmick features such as air gestures and then endless patent trolls. They are so blinded to the fact that only about 1.75 billion out of the 7 billion people around the world have a smartphone while the vast majority do not. They are fixated at stealing each other customers with multi-billion dollar expenditure in luring Ads and even more dollar invested in R&D for devices (the so-called wearables such as smartwatches ) that nobody wants just to keep up with the Joneses.
Meanwhile more Afro-centric smartphone brands who have a deep understanding of the African market are cropping up. These vendors have cut out the noise and are less concerned about what the next Galaxy S6 will or will not have. They have taken time to study the African market, translating their research into great devices designed specifically for Africa . They even plan to setup manufucturing plants in the continent, tap into the vast engineering laborforce, create local ecosystems, deliver low-cost devices and ultimately seal their stronghold on the continent.
INFINIX formerly dubbed Sagem a brand that entered and left Kenya twice as fast in the years 2002-2005 had been quite popular due to its low prices and design. Sagem rebranded to Infinix and is offering phone models ranging from Infinix x570, Infinix race-bolt, to name but a few. The phones are designed in France and then assembled in China by a joint venture Mobiwire (Formerly Sagem) and Earning way (Chinese company). Infinix is a company founded in Hong Kong. The company is also largely present in Nigeria. Infinix is offering competitive devices that match-up both in features and specs to the big brands at affordable prices. Infinix Race Eagle running onAndroid 4.1 (Jelly Bean), 1GHz process,4GB ROM + 512MB RAM, 2000 mAh and an 8MP goes for about #29,500 ($170) while the Infinix Buzz running Android 4.0, a 1GHz processor,512MB ROM + 512MB RAM,1450 mAh battery, 5MP camera goes for #15,000($87)
TECNO is a Chinese based mobile phone manufacturer founded in Shanghai in 2006. Tecno does business exclusively in Africa and wants to be the mobile king of Africa. They have already established a manufacturing plant in Ethiopia and expects to roll similar plants in Kenya and Nigeria soon. The brand has decided to focus on a youth market of 17-35 years. No doubt price is a demanding factor in the kind of phones users end up with as Jumia Kenya’s Robinson notes;
“Majority of Kenyans make their decisions on what mobile phone to buy based on cost, design and looks, operating system and other things like network, connection, camera and battery life. Tecno and Infinix offer low cost-high feature phones, it’s what everyone wants,” — acccording to Robinson Murage, PR & Marketing Coordinator, JUMIA, Kenya’s leading online retailer while commenting on Tecno’s and Infinix’s vibrant presence in the Kenyan market .
Tecno has swept the Africa mobile market by storm thanks to its low cost devices. While it started as a low-end phone vendor whose brand only appealed to the downtown folks, it has of recent upped up its game. The Chinese device vendor now offers high-end devices such as its octa-core Tecno Phantom Z for less than $400 while at the same time making low-end smartphones like Tecno H7 that goes for $200. Now the vendor is oncourse to release a $30 smartphone by 2015 according to Kenyan Tech site Techmoran . The vendor apparently ships 1.3 million to 1.5 million devices every month in Nigeria alone which is a clear sign that the company’s strategy of providing low-cost data phone in order to encourage the uptake of smartphone is working.
Besides Infinix and Tecno, we also have the likes of X-touch with presence in middle east and bits of Africa like Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda producing competitive devices. Innjo is another candidate with phones like the Innjo I1s, a mid-range device that’s being sold exclusively in Nigeria by Jumia for just 14,000 Naira.
Africa is being expected to pass one billion mobile subscriptions to become the world’s second largest mobile market by 2016 according to new research from analyst firm Informa. Already the continent has been named a mobile-first, mobile-only space. While the big mainstream brands are overly concerned with cannibalizing on each others customers in America and Europe, new Afro-centric vendors with ambitious plans of setting up manufacturing plants in Africa are seizing market share of over 1.1 billion people.
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
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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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