Safaricom’s Kenyan smartphone factory makes 700k devices, creates 300 jobs in first year
Vodacom’s FY2026 report says Safaricom-linked East Africa Device Assembly in Kenya produced about 700,000 devices in its first year, cut costs by up to 30% and created 300 local jobs for Kenyans...
✨ Key Highlights
In its first year of operation, Safaricom's East Africa Device Assembly plant has produced approximately 700,000 devices and created 300 local jobs, significantly contributing to digital inclusion in the region.
- The plant, a Safaricom-led joint venture, assembled around 700,000 devices, including 4G-enabled smartphones, educational tablets, and KYC devices, with an annual capacity of 3 million units.
- Key organizations involved include Safaricom, Jamii Telecoms, Vodacom Group, and OEM Lel Technology.
- Local assembly has reduced device costs by up to 30%, enabling 4G smartphones to retail for as low as US$50 (KES 7,499).
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Kenya Opens Applications for AI Champions Programme - June 2026
The Kenyan government, through the ICT Authority, has launched the AI Champions Recognition Programme aimed at equipping young people with practical artificial intelligence skills as part of the national goal to train 20 million citizens in digital skills by 2032. Separately, Kenya is in discussions with OpenAI to potentially host the first OpenAI Academy in Eastern Africa, with Nairobi as the proposed location. Additionally, Safaricom's East Africa Device Assembly plant has produced approximately 700,000 devices in its first year and created 300 local jobs, significantly contributing to digital inclusion by making smartphones more accessible for Kenyan users.
