Following the appeal made by the Minister of Communication, Tecno Mobile might have decided to set up local production lines in Nigeria should some things be put in place. Whereas, Samsung has declined the request due to some infrastructural factors and other reasons.
— B.T.A (@TosinAshafa) April 10, 2018
In response to the company setting up a production line in Nigeria similar to its Ethiopian factory, Stephen Ha, General Manager of Tecno Mobile said:
Nigeria is a key interest market for us and we have considered setting up a massive factory here that will not only create a lot of jobs for Nigerians but also empower her millennials with key interests in technology to get hands-on and be more involved in the development and design of the world next revolutionary smartphones.
Why did Samsung Turn Down the Offer?
Sung Yoon, Samsung CEO for Africa, said that the components needed to manufacture a mobile phone (about 400 of them) are not available in Nigeria.
Other issues that affect the building of a factory in the country are infrastructure, return on investment (ROI) and the grey market. Building a production plant depends on the ROI and efficiency of the economy. — Sung Yoon.
Although he says that Nigeria’s population of 180 million is a power for the future, and Samsung would love to be part of corporate citizenship.
The Problems Plaguing the Nigerian Market
Retweeted NIGERIAN FACTS (@NigerianFact):
Nigeria spent N17.4 trillion on electricity in 5 years only to be ranked as the 2nd worst country with power supply in the world only behind Yemen.
— Las Ɗanbuzu, PhD (@danbouzu) March 29, 2018
Although, Nigeria is an interest market to investors, but problems such as unreliable power supply remain endemic. Security of equipment and huge multiple taxes are also some of the problems that would dissuade investors from coming to Nigeria.
What is being Done?
Nigeria’s minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, acknowledged the government’s failings in the past and its inability to provide an enabling environment for investors to set up locally but promised to do do something to turn these around.
I want to appeal to Tecno Mobile that we are ready to partner with you. We will assist you in every way possible to encourage you.
He also assured the company that the proposed production line would help to serve the population of Nigeria, West Africa sub-region and also create jobs.
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