Nigeria Pushes for Local Smartphone Manufacturing to Boost Digital Access
According to him, the development of local smartphone manufacturing would contribute to job creation, build industrial capacity and expand access to digital services for millions of Nigerians.
Nigeria is seeking to attract global smartphone manufacturers to establish production facilities in the country as part of efforts to improve device affordability, expand digital inclusion and strengthen local industrial capacity.
The call was made by Idris Olorunnimbe, Executive Chairman of Outbox Advisory Limited, during the Digital Africa Summit Roundtable held alongside the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai. He emphasized that solving Africa’s smartphone affordability challenge requires coordinated action among governments, manufacturers, mobile operators, regulators and financing partners.
Olorunnimbe said Nigeria is prepared to work with manufacturers willing to invest in local smartphone production and encouraged companies planning to begin construction of manufacturing facilities by November to submit investment proposals.
He noted that the country is seeking to develop a domestic smartphone industry capable of producing quality devices using Nigerian labour and, increasingly, locally sourced inputs. The goal is to manufacture affordable smartphones that can compete with imported devices in terms of quality, durability and user experience.
According to him, the development of local smartphone manufacturing would contribute to job creation, build industrial capacity and expand access to digital services for millions of Nigerians.
The proposal also aims to support the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy by increasing smartphone penetration and reducing barriers to access. Industry stakeholders at the summit discussed the need for practical solutions to improve smartphone affordability across Africa.
Olorunnimbe also acknowledged the role of GSMA Africa and the organizers of the Digital Africa Summit Roundtable for convening discussions on the continent’s digital development challenges and opportunities.
The renewed push for local manufacturing comes as African countries seek to strengthen domestic industries, reduce dependence on imports and improve access to affordable digital technologies.
