M-KOPA BOOSTS LOCAL SMARTPHONE ASSEMBLY AND JOB CREATION IN KENYA.
BY NJOKI KARANJA.
M-KOPA Kenya has marked a major milestone in local tech manufacturing with the success of its Nairobi-based smartphone assembly facility, the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa. The facility, launched in partnership with Human Mobile Devices (HMD) in January 2023, has now produced over 1.5 million smartphones, including the recently launched M-KOPA X20. The factory is playing a pivotal role in making affordable smartphones more accessible to millions of Kenyans while creating significant job opportunities in the country’s growing tech sector.
Speaking during a media tour of the factory, M-KOPA Kenya’s General Manager, Martin Kingori, emphasized the importance of local assembly in driving digital connectivity and economic growth. "Assembling our devices in Kenya is something we are extremely proud of," said Kingori. "It demonstrates our commitment to making quality smartphones affordable and accessible to millions of Kenyans, bringing digital connectivity to people across the country."
The factory’s success is driven by a supportive policy environment from the Kenyan government, which has helped M-KOPA scale its operations and increase local employment. The assembly facility now provides jobs for over 325 employees, many of whom are young Kenyans gaining technical skills and their first experience in the tech industry. In June 2024, M-KOPA and HMD celebrated the launch of the M-KOPA X20 alongside the milestone of assembling 1 million devices, with production now surpassing 1.5 million.
One of the young professionals benefiting from this growth is Esther Ngugi, a Junior Quality Assurance Manager at the factory. Ngugi shared how the opportunity has helped her build her career while contributing to Kenya’s tech ecosystem. "I was motivated to take up this opportunity because we change lives by providing technology solutions to people who might not have access otherwise," she said. "My biggest achievement has been being part of the team that earned our ISO 9001 certification."
The media tour provided an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Kenya’s local smartphone assembly industry. Journalists gained firsthand insights into the production process, from initial assembly to rigorous quality testing, showcasing the precision and skill involved in producing the M-KOPA X20. The visit highlighted M-KOPA's dedication to both quality and affordability, further cementing the company’s position as a leader in Kenya’s tech sector.
The MKOPA X20
M-KOPA’s ISO 9001 certification, a mark of world-class quality, also underscores the company’s commitment to skills transfer and ensuring that local production meets international standards. By creating employment opportunities and facilitating the growth of critical tech skills, M-KOPA is helping to drive Kenya’s digitalization goals and economic development.
Through this initiative, M-KOPA is not only meeting the growing demand for affordable smartphones but also contributing to the broader socio-economic development of Kenya, empowering citizens and supporting the nation’s digital future.
