Chinese firm to manufacture phones in Nigeria by Q1 2018

Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM),
operating in Nigeria as Partner Mobile, has informed
of its readiness to start manufacturing mobile phones
in the country.
The firm, which entered the Nigerian market a year
ago, said all the logistics have been put in place to
enable it commence the production of features phone
from quarter one (Q1), 2018.
Speaking in Lagos, at the weekend, the Technical
Partner, Partner Mobile, Shola Akintola, said the plant
would be sited either in Abeokuta or Lagos, saying all
the component parts of the phone would be
manufactured in Nigeria. He however, identified the
country’s erratic power supply as a major disincentive
to investment.
Describing the performance of Partner Mobile brand in
the Nigerian market for the past 12 months, the Chief
Operating Officer (COO), Partner Mobile, Simon
Klepper, said the brand has been successful despite the
challenging Nigerian economy, the decreasing value of
the Naira and political change.
Klepper attributed the success of the brand to true
commitment and perseverance shown by the company.
He added that Partner Mobile in the coming years will
deeply penetrate the Nigerian market and also
establish itself as a reputable company in the country.
“Partner Mobile’s first year in the Nigerian market has
got to be viewed as a success. The last year has been a
challenging one for the whole of Nigeria with the
current dwindling economy, the decreasing value of
the Naira and political change.
“For any company to launch itself under such
conditions, it has to show true commitment and
perseverance, Partner Mobile has displayed these
qualities,” Klepper said.
Also commenting on Partner Mobile’s penetration into
the Nigerian market, the Marketing Manager, Partner
Mobile, Ifeoluwa Akerele-Molokwu, said the brand
name has been marketed to a large extent. According
to Akerele, “Partner Mobile devices have been made to
fit into every social and economic class.”
She said: “We have our gadgets currently in major
stores across the country, and we are still working
towards reaching more customers by partnering with
other dealers.
“We have made available devices to fit into every
social and economic class, and also putting into
consideration the current economic situation. Better
said, we’ve got a Partner for everyone.”
Akerele-Molokwu said within the last 12 months,
Partner Mobile did gather some market share,
stressing that over a million mobile phones was sold by
the brand.
While speaking on the quantity of devices already
released into the Nigerian market, Klepper said: “We
released three android phones at the launch last year
and quickly followed them up with a straight forward
feature phone. The PF1 proved so popular that over
the last three months we have released similar models
of increasing specifications, the PF2, PF3, PF4 and a
heavy duty PF-P1 with the capability of a power bank.
“Our mid-range Elite series E15 has just been replaced
with the E16 and in the Prestige series, the PS1 has
been joined by the PS-Power and PS2. Over the next
couple of months we will have the PS1 + and PS1 Pro to
complete the series.
“As we look forward to Nigeria re-establishing it’s
previously impressive growing economy, phone and
gadget lovers can be assured that Partner Mobile will
bring to market ranges of phones to satisfy the needs
and desires of its consumers.”
The COO further stressed that in an ever changing
market where the needs and wants of the consumer
take precedence, the company is committed to
constantly evaluating and assessing the kinds of
products to bring into the market that will solve the
consumer’s need. He further explained that the
consumer spending power is equally a factor that
affects their decision making.
Klepper proposes that Partner Mobile in its fifth
anniversary would be established throughout the
African continent and equally trading in continents
including Middle East, Europe, and the United States of
America.