On November 6th,2024 M-KOPA Kenya welcomed media to its Nairobi smartphone assembly factory the first of its kind in the country.
Launched in partnership with HMD, Human Mobile Devices in January 2023, the facility has since grown into the largest smartphone assembly facility in sub-Saharan Africa, backed by a significant investment in local manufacturing.
“Assembling our devices in Kenya is something we are extremely proud of,” said Martin Kingori, General Manager, M-KOPA Kenya. “It demonstrates our commitment to making quality smartphones affordable and accessible to millions of Kenyans, bringing digital connectivity to people across the country.”
With supportive policies from the Kenyan government, M-KOPA has scaled its operations, now employing over 325 people, fostering technical skills transfer, and creating jobs for young Kenyans. Earlier this year, M-KOPA and HMD celebrated the launch of the M-KOPA X20 and their 1 million locally assembled devices in June, with production now surpassing 1.5 million. Local assembly doesn’t just meet the demand for affordable smartphones, it strengthens the local economy and gives many young Kenyans their first job in the tech sector.
Esther Ngugi, a Junior Quality Assurance Manager, is one of many young professionals who are building their careers at M-KOPA’s factory. “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 shared. “I’ve been able to prove myself, and my biggest achievement has been being part of the team that earned our ISO 9001 certification.”
During the visit, the media had an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience, gaining a rare look at Kenya’s local smartphone assembly industry.
The tour provided firsthand insights into the production stages, from initial assembly to quality testing, showcasing how each device meets rigorous standards. Journalists observed the precision and skill involved in assembling the M-KOPA X20, a high-quality smartphone, giving them a deeper appreciation for what it takes to locally produce and make quality devices more accessible.
This unique access allowed them to witness M-KOPA’s commitment to both quality and affordability, further establishing the company as a pioneer in Kenya’s expanding tech industry.
M-KOPA’s ISO 9001 certification signals world-class quality, helping to transfer critical tech skills to young Kenyans and making smartphone ownership more accessible. The facility stands as a symbol of M-KOPA’s broader socio-economic impact: empowering citizens to enable Kenya’s digitalization goals and economic growth.
