Xiaomi to sell smartphones in Africa

Chinese OEM Xiaomi is ready to make its next move. The company will begin selling its products in Africa this month, with South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, becoming the first African countries where Xiaomi products will be available for purchase.

Xiaomi will make its debut in the African market with Redmi 2 and Mi 4, which will be sold through a distribution partnership called 'Mobiles in Africa' (MIA) which is present in 14 African countries. MIA will provide importation, logistics, marketing and support services. The handset will be sold online just like they are sold in India and China. The Redmi 2 will reportedly cost $160 (Rs. 10,500) while the Mi 4 will cost $ 320 (Rs. 21,000). 

“We see Africa as the next frontier for smartphone growth and we are excited to be partnering with MIA Group to offer consumers in these three countries our high-quality smartphones at amazing prices,” says Raymond Tian, Xiaomi’s Global Strategy Director.

MIA Group president RJ van Spaandonk says they are “delighted to bring the Redmi 2 and Mi 4 to key countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. We’ve seen a strong response to the products based on preliminary discussions with partners, and we look forward to providing consumers with these new high-end smartphone options at incredible price points”.

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun last year said that, the company aims to sell 80 million to 100 million smartphone in 2015. The company will need to succeed in Africa to hit the sales target. Xiaomi has already sold just under 35 million phones in the first half of 2015. However, China's upcoming Singles day, which is equivalent to America's Black Friday on November 11, will likely help Xiaomi to inch closer to the sales target.

Via