State Minister Evelyn Anite Urged Ugandans to Support Locally Manufactured Goods at Launch of AI-Powered Smartphone

*By John Kusolo*

The State Minister for Investment and Privatization, Hon. Evelyn Anite, has called on Ugandans to embrace and support locally manufactured products, particularly highlighting the strides made in Uganda's technology sector. Speaking at the launch of the AI-powered Mecha smartphone by Simi Mobile at their factory in Namanve Industrial Park on Saturday, Anite emphasized the importance of consuming local products to boost the country’s economy.

Minister Anite expressed pride in Uganda's progress in manufacturing and assembling mobile phones, a feat that many previously deemed impossible. She noted the significant advancements made, from assembling feature phones to now producing cutting-edge smartphones equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

"Previously, nobody believed Uganda could assemble and manufacture phones, but here we are," she said. "We have gone from just assembling and manufacturing feature phones to now AI-powered smartphones. I, therefore, ask Ugandans to buy these locally manufactured products. If you have two phones, one of them should be locally produced."

Anite further underscored that purchasing locally manufactured products supports the local industry, creates employment opportunities, and strengthens Uganda's economy.

"If you buy this product, you are giving employment to a fellow Ugandan. They will be able to take their children to school and buy from a local shop. This way, we are boosting the local economy to thrive."

The Minister highlighted the high quality of Simi Mobile’s phones, evidenced by their export to international markets such as Morocco in North Africa. She assured Ugandans that locally manufactured products could compete globally while also meeting the domestic demand.

"It is satisfying to hear we are moving away from assembling any ordinary phone to an AI-powered smartphone," she noted. "As government, we shall continue facilitating investments in the country to be able to satisfy the big market we have."

Anite also pointed out the immense opportunities available for Ugandan manufacturers in both regional and international markets. With access to the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the broader African market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), manufacturers can tap into a potential market of 1.4 billion consumers.

"Any manufacturer in Uganda can sell their products in the African market, which is well-negotiated, but apart from that, they can also sell to Europe and the US where we have very good relations," Anite said.

*Simi Mobile’s Journey and Innovation*

David Beecham Okwere, the Secretary of Engo Holdings Limited (Simi Mobile), reflected on the company’s growth from a small shop selling phones on Kampala Road in 2016 to a fully-fledged mobile phone manufacturing company. He shared the company’s milestone during the COVID-19 pandemic when it developed a smartphone capable of measuring body temperature, earning global recognition.

"We have since moved from that to now launch the Mecha smartphone, the first of its kind powered by AI," Okwere said. "This phone has components of AI that make every communication easier and will be able to compete with any existing phone in the world."

*Boosting Local Employment and Skill Transfer*

Okwere revealed that 90% of the factory's employees are Ugandans, with ongoing efforts to transfer knowledge and skills from Chinese experts. He expressed optimism that in the near future, Ugandans will handle all aspects of phone manufacturing.

"We are working with the Chinese to help in transferring their knowledge to Ugandans, and in the future, it will be Ugandans doing all this work," Okwere explained.

The new Mecha smartphone, according to Okwere, aligns with the government’s initiative to promote local products. By offering a phone capable of competing on the global market, the company aims to instill confidence in Ugandans to support locally produced goods.

The launch of Simi Mobile’s AI-powered Mecha smartphone marks a significant milestone in Uganda's technological advancement and industrial growth. With government support and increasing consumer confidence, the initiative is set to transform Uganda’s manufacturing sector, create more jobs, and establish the country as a competitive player in the global tech industry.

Source:Nilepost