Sahara Computers, global supplier of information, communication and digital lifestyle technology, joined representatives of government on Wednesday, 24th of June 2009, in Maputo to celebrate the launch of the Sahara assembly plant where Dzowo Computers will be assembled. Guests of honour included the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Venancio Massingue, the Minister of Defence, Filipe Nhussi and the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Antonio Fernando.
The official opening of the PC assembly operation was a landmark achievement for the Mozambique Information & Communication Technology (MICTI) organisation and Sahara, and stemmed from a memorandum of understanding reached between the company and its host country in 2007. This joint venture is thus a partnership between Sahara Computers and MICTI, a semi-government organization, forming Sahara ICT, Mozambique.
MICTI is involved in various sectors including education, business incubation and a Science Park.
The agreement made provision for a 3000 unit-per-month plant that will assemble and distribute laptop and desktop units. It represents the preliminary stage of the launch of a 5,000 sq. meter ICT and component distribution plant to supply infrastructure and product to the region.
The assembly operation has been unveiled to senior government officials – including the Mozambique Minister of Science and Technology, as well as representatives of Sahara’s executive management and the press, with specific focus on the introduction of Dzowo product range.
Atul Gupta, MD and Chairman of Sahara Computers, was congratulated by Filipe Nhussi for providing solutions to the country by developing the youth and the people of Mozambique.
Fernando thanked Sahara Computers for giving the Mozambican people this privilege by making computers that are affordable and compatible. “Sahara Computers is fulfilling the Mozambican people’s dreams.” commented Dr. Massingue.
This signature product range, named after the father of the nation, Eduardo Mondlane, will be marketed as a product range manufactured in Mozambique and distributed to a growing reseller network in the region. The product will be a proudly Mozambique product, and the official certificate and flag was handed over to Sahara ICT, by the President of Mozambique, His Excellency Armando Emίlio Guebuza, at the Dzowo Birthday Ceremony held on the 20 June 2009.
“We are delighted that progress has been made and we are proud to have co-launched this very important and significant element of trade and commerce in Mozambique. The realisation of this assembly plant is a result of the partnership we have established with the government’s science and technology, as well as trade and commerce departments. There is a great deal of expectation and anticipation over what the plant will mean for the people of Mozambique and the socio-economic development of the country,” commented Gupta.
Representatives from Sahara and MICTI say the objectives include the set-up of additional assembly operations for PCs, laptops and digital lifestyle product; job creation; helping to streamline technology and maintenance and support of IT product services as well as provide skills transfer and training. For every PC that is assembled and sold an amount will be donated to the Dzowo Trust. The Trust will oversee projects that will include student bursaries and youth development.
“In the long term the core focus is going to be the development of local business and entrepreneurs through the creation of dealerships and re-sellers throughout Mozambique. We will also explore the possibility of expanding capacity to export products to neighbouring countries,” adds Gupta.
