Google to release $40 mobile phone in Nigeria

By wael Hussien

Google is to capitalise on the growing digital market in Africa with the release of an affordable mobile phone. The Android-supported ICE2 smartphone will launch in Nigeria this September at $40 (N13,000) and will be equipped with Google Play Protect. The device will form an essential part of Google’s strategy to empower Africans through technology.

Cesar Segunutpane, vice president of product management at Google said: “We don’t want to create internet for Africa rather enable them to create the internet they want through the access, platforms and products we create. Access is important, by making sure they are connected to high internet. Whether students or workers, MTN, Mainone and others have done a lot on internet/broadband deployment to empower these people in Nigeria. We strongly believe faster broadband will improve Africans’ lives and innovation.”

Related stories:

 

“Android is the largest tech ecosystem in the world today,” Segunutpane added. “In 9 years, it grew from one phone to 2billion smartphones across the world. We have continued to work with partners and OEMs to develop devices for Africans, especially Nigerians, like $40 smartphone.”

Segunutpane also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to helping local entrepreneurs by revealing that Google will also launch apps to enable strong FinTech uptake in the country. The news follows Google’s announcement that it is continuing in its aim to create 10 million African jobs in the next five years by training 100,000 software developers in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. A million Africans have already been trained by the tech giant and the latest move is seen as a key commitment to the creation of 10 million jobs across the continent.

 

 

Share

Featured Articles

Abu Dhabi Airports prepares for Terminal A opening

A decade in the making, Abu Dhabi International Airport welcomes 6,000 volunteers to test operational readiness of stunning new Terminal A building

Business Chief expands portfolio with new look and coverage

Business Chief Middle East & Africa launches with fresh new look and extended coverage of the region, with exclusive executive interviews and insights

How Octopus Energy grew to become an industry giant

Octopus Energy continues to grow after a deal was agreed to acquire Shell Energy in the UK and Germany, taking its customer base to almost seven million

Perkbox CEO: How to support employees through tough times

Human Capital

How Middle East is embracing the future of digital finance

Corporate Finance

UAE Lulu Group shifts business for global growth and IPO

Corporate Finance