Rwanda – Mara X & Mara Z, first smartphones entirely manufactured and assembled in Africa

Mara Group, a new tech company based in Rwanda, Africa, made history last month, by launching the first manufactured and assembled smartphones in Africa: Mara X & Mara Z.

“While smartphones are assembled in other African nations (Egypt, Algeria, and South Africa all have assembly plants), according to Reuters, those companies all import the components.”

Mara is the first company doing the manufacturing on the continent. They manufacture the phones from the motherboards to the packaging, which is all done in the new factory. However, it’s to be noted that the company still has to import some components (like the SoCs).

According to its owners, the plant cost $50 million USD, and the company has the capacity of making over 10’000 phones per day.

Rwanda President Paul Kagame was the one to announce the launch of the factory, in a press conference in the capital of Kigali.

PHOTO: “Our world is changing fast. Keeping pace requires constant innovation. This is the path Rwanda has chosen for our development.“ President Kagame remarks at the official launch of Mara Phones manufacturing plant. To view more photos https://t.co/X7dH2DNeJd #MadeinRwanda pic.twitter.com/IpbRohc5ZW

— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) October 7, 2019

Mara X vs Mara Z

Mara is producing two types of smartphone in Rwanda: The Mara X with 16GB storage space which retails for $159 USD, while the more advanced Mara Z model with 32GB storage retails for around $229 USD.

Both the Mara X and Mara Z include features such as high-spec cameras and voice activation mode. They use Google’s Android operating system. The devices are already available via Mara’s website and stores in Kigali.

“The Mara X is even less expensive than the Mara Z. The device offers a MediaTek MT6739 processor, along with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. On the back, there’s a 13-megapixel sensor, while on the front of the phone there’s a 5-megapixel camera. The phone also has features like a fingerprint sensor on the back, along with a 5.5-inch display with a 720p resolution. “

“The Mara Z, for example, offers a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor, along with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. On the back, there’s a 13-megapixel camera, while on the front you’ll find a 13-megapixel selfie camera. The display on the phone comes in at 5.7 inches, with a resolution of 720p. In Rwanda, the device is available for 175,750, or around $190. “

Upseting the African smartphone market

Rwanda’s Mara Group has grand ambitions. The company hopes to help turn Rwanda into a regional tech hub. Mara Group’s focus is not solely the production of Mara X and the Z, but rather to upset the smartphone market in Africa, specifically in Rwanda.

Currently, most smartphones available in Rwanda and on the African continent are cheap unbranded Android phone from China. Mara’s offerings are priced much higher, as it’s marketed toward customers who are willing to spend more for a higher quality smartphone designed, manufactured, and assembled locally.

Mara Group hopes to profit from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, a pact aimed at forming a 55-nation trade bloc, to boost sales across Africa. Manufacturing most of a phone, assembling it, and then selling it all within one region is sure to boost Rwanda’s economy.

Sources: Reuters; Digital Trends; Fast Company