In a strategic move to bolster connectivity and digital accessibility, Zambia has unveiled plans for its own local smartphone manufacturing facility, set to commence operations in June 2024. This initiative follows Kenya’s recent smartphone assembly plant launch, signaling a growing trend in Africa towards self-sufficiency in device production.
The Zambian government’s collaboration with Chinese tech giant ZTE is instrumental in making this venture a reality. ZTE, renowned for its budget-friendly Kabambe feature phones and telecom equipment supply in Africa, will aid Zambia in reducing smartphone import costs and fostering broader digital inclusion.
The primary motivation behind Zambia’s foray into local smartphone production is the exorbitant prices of imported devices. The partnership with ZTE aims to manufacture more affordable alternatives domestically, making smartphones accessible to a wider population.
Zambia joins a league of African nations addressing affordability barriers through local smartphone assembly. Rwanda pioneered its smartphone factory in 2019, and Egypt’s first locally assembled device, the Nile X, debuted in 2017.
Current data reveals that 63.3% of Zambians own mobile phones, but only 35.8% possess smartphones, with high taxation contributing to elevated costs. Zambia imposes a 31% combined tax on handsets, ranking third highest in Africa. While it remains uncertain if the new Zambian plant will face similar tax burdens, localized production holds the promise of significantly reducing device costs, marking a significant stride towards digital enrichment for citizens.
The move towards local high-tech manufacturing not only addresses affordability but also facilitates job creation and knowledge transfer in emerging economies like Zambia. Aligned with Zambia’s ambition to become a middle-income nation by 2030, the planned facility represents a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
The collaboration with ZTE positions Zambia to leverage the expertise of a global player, paving the way for the establishment of a robust and sustainable smartphone production ecosystem. The plant’s scheduled opening in mid-2024 places Zambia at the forefront of Africa’s push towards self-reliance in smartphone production, with Kenya also making noteworthy progress in local assembly. The momentum towards African-made devices signals a promising era for technological self-sufficiency on the continent.
