Updated : January 19, 2015 03:30 pm,Dubai
By Editor
By Editor
Obi sees Kenya as a crucial market for its expansion strategy for Africa
Obi Mobiles, the smartphone brand co-founded by veteran marketer and former Apple CEO John Sculley, has announced plans to enter the Kenyan market in March.
Obi aims to attract the growing segment of young and trendy smartphone users in emerging markets.
“The African markets present a huge opportunity for new smartphone devices, with a growing population of technology and fashion-savvy youth. Consumers today want the best feature-rich smartphone experience at desirable price points, without compromising on quality,” said Sculley, who is the co-founder and managing partner at Inflexionpoint.
The firm is set to roll out Obi devices starting with Kenya in March with an aim of capturing a 5 percent market share by the end of this year and later move to the other East African countries.
The new range of mobile devices run Android Kit Kat platform, powered by multi-core processors, including an octa-core options, dual-SIM capabilities, large screen sizes and high quality camera options.
“We are charting out our entry into the East Africa market currently, and aim to rapidly grow in the region by forging synergies with effective channel partners,” Obi Mobiles Middle East and Africa region Managing Director Amit Rupchandani noted.
Inflexionpoint has now signed an agreement with DESPEC a regional IT distributor which will manage the distribution of Obi devices to all key retailer and independent retailer channels in Kenya and other African markets.
“DESPEC is excited to be appointed as the exclusive channel partner for Obi Mobiles in Kenya and other East African markets. Obi has paid special attention to creating an image that resounds with the large section of young and inspirational smartphone users in Africa,” Farouk Jivani, CEO, DESPEC Africa said.
Obi mobiles marked its global launch in India, followed by the Middle East markets in 2014. It is a venture of Toronto-based Investment and Acquisition Company, Inflexionpoint.