Africa’s Tech Hub Takes Shape, As Kenya Leads the Way in Smartphone Production

Kenya is emerging as a key player in Africa’s burgeoning smartphone manufacturing industry. With over 2.5 million smartphones already produced locally, the country is demonstrating its commitment to technological advancement and digital inclusion.

Speaking at the recent Smartphone for Africa Summit in Nairobi, Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of the Kenya ICT Authority, underscored the significance of local smartphone assembly in driving Africa’s digital economy. He emphasized the role of smartphones in connecting people to essential services like education, healthcare, and finance.

“Smartphones are a vital tool in driving the consumption of digital services across all sectors,” Kamanguya stated. “The African continent has an opportunity to harness its rich natural resources to produce the essential components for smartphone assembly, such as minerals used in batteries and chips.”

To fully realize this potential, Kamanguya stressed the need for African nations to collaborate on harmonizing trade regulations, tariffs, and other policies, as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Kenya’s commitment to creating a favorable investment climate for the ICT industry is evident in recent regulatory reforms, such as relaxing equity participation regulations. This move aims to attract tech companies to invest and establish operations in the country.

“This is a pivotal moment for Africa to tap into its potential for smartphone manufacturing and digital innovation,” Kamanguya said. “Kenya is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, and we are dedicated to ensuring the continent maximizes its resources for the growth of the tech industry.”

John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary for ICT, expressed optimism about Kenya’s potential as a hub for the lucrative semiconductor market. He highlighted the country’s recent CHIPS Act agreement with the United States, which promises to bolster local semiconductor capabilities and drive innovation and industrial growth.