Tech in Africa
Despite the deep penetration in usage of mobile devices in Africa, a sizeable number of people are yet to own of smartphones due to their cost . An entry-level smartphone is roughly 60% of the average monthly income across the continent.
Orange has launched the Sanza touch smartphone – an affordable 4G android device (Go Edition). The launch of the new product is supported by Google and adds onto the 2018 Android (Go edition) aimed at speeding up the digital revolution across the continent. The device will retail at $30 – an affordable price point that aims for digital inclusion and providing the masses with mobile internet access.
Sanza is expected to appeal to the mass market given its low price and robust features such as the Payjoy application that allows the smartphone user to make slow payments for their device. The Sanza Touch device is made up of:
- 4G Android (Go edition) smartphone
- A 4-inch screen
- 8 GD memory/4 hour 1750mAh battery
The Orange app collection comprises of Orange Money, Livescreen, and My Orange that give access to popular apps such as YouTube Go, Facebook, Google Go, and WhatsApp.
An excerpt from the CEO of Orange Middle East & Africa Alioune Ndiaye said, “One of the barriers to Internet use is the price and ease of use of most smartphones. The partnership with Google to offer the Sanza touch smartphone for sale will enable us to solve this problem thanks to its affordable price and advanced functionalities. ”
An excerpt from the statement shared by the Director, Platform Partnerships, Android and Play at Africa for Google Mariam Abdullahi, said, “We are excited about the endless possibilities this Sanza touch smartphone will present in learning, economic opportunities, and digital accessibility. The Goal of our Android devices, including this first-of-its-kind highly affordable Android (Go edition) device, is to bring the power of computing equitably to all. ”
Orange is now in 18 African countries across the Middle East and Africa with over 124 million customers. Orange Money its mobile money transfer service is present in 17 countries serving 54 million customers.
