The Xiaomi we know is a very impressive brand. Started just a few years ago, they pride in making solid, beautiful, high quality devices, and selling them at outrageously low prices. Over the years they have grown in China – their home country – and even out-muscling Apple to claim top spot this year. Outside China, in places like India, the company is also doing well.
Reports from Forbes indicate that Xiaomi is about make a presence in sub-Saharan Africa. This will be made possible through a partnership with Mobile in Africa Limited, which has footprints in 14 countries around the region. Van Spaandonk Executive Director of Core Group made the following statements:
“I think Xiaomi is currently one of the most exciting mobile internet brands. It is very well suited to the needs and income levels of the emerging middle classes in Africa,”
“There is a great need for mobile technology in Africa that is of top-notch quality but still affordable. What I found in Xiaomi is a company, and a business model, that can accommodate the needs of African consumers,”
The report also claims that two Xiaomi devices will be launched next month in South Africa, the Xiaomi Red Mi 2 ($160) and the Xiaomi Mi 4 ($320). And they will be sold exclusively online as with the tradition of Xiaomi in other regions. These are good signs and hopefully we’ll get to see one in Nigeria.