Tech

Chinese electric car manufacturers NETA Auto launches first African flagship showroom in Kenya

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2024

Chinese electric car manufacturers, NETA Auto, a brand of Hozon Auto, has opened its first African flagship store in Kenya, making it NETA Auto’s first store in Africa.

The opening of the flagship store also marks a new phase of EVs to entering the African right-hand drive (RHD) market.

A statement by the firm notes that the reason for NETA Auto choosing Kenya as its entry point to Africa is based on in-depth analysis of its market potential and strategic vision of global strategies.

“Kenya not only serves as a gateway to Southern, Central, and Eastern Africa but is also a key node in the Belt and Road Initiative,” the statement said.

“By leveraging Kenya’s strategic location, NETA Auto aims to deepen economic and trade ties with African countries, and finally completes the transformation of ‘The Chinese NETA’ into ‘The World NETA’.”

NETA Auto’s star model, NETA V, has already debuted in Kenya, and models such as NETA AYA and NETA X will follow in the future.

“In the next two years, NETA Auto plans to enter 20 countries, open 100 stores and achieve an annual sales volume over 20000 units within three years in Africa,” the company said.

“By establishing a high-quality service network and providing consumers excellent after-sales services, NETA Auto aims to become the leader of the new energy car manufacturers in the region.

“Driven by its globalization strategy, NETA Auto adheres to an overseas strategy of ‘Deep rooting in ASEAN, standing out in South America, and developing in the Middle East and Africa’.”

The Chinese auto giant had also established three major Intelligent eco-factories in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with outstanding export performance.

“With the technical support of the Hozi, Shanhai and Yunhe platforms, NETA Auto continues to set new standards in the EV industry.

“The application of these cutting-edge technologies not only enhances the product’s intelligence, offering consumers a more comfortable driving experience but also adds momentum to NETA Auto in the African market.

“With the gradual implementation of the Africa strategy, NETA Auto is embarking on a new journey with its outstanding products, innovative strategies, and globalization insight.”

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Tech

Siemens partners PE Energy for industrial automation, innovation in Nigeria

Published

49 mins ago

July 6, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Siemens Digital Industries has struck a partnership deal with PE Energy aimed at enhancing industrial automation and innovation in Nigeria.

The partnership, according to Siemens Sub-Saharan Africa CEO, Sabine Dall’Omo, will elevate the landscape with advanced industrial automation systems, motion and drives, and process instrumentation across Nigeria.

“Our partnership represents a powerful synergy of Siemens’ advanced technology and PE Energy’s industry expertise. Together, we look forward to driving significant advancements in industrial automation across Nigeria, fostering growth and innovation in the region.”

“This collaboration paves the way for the future of automation and innovation, empowering Nigerian businesses to compete globally and prosper locally.

“This collaboration promises to deliver state-of-the-art solutions to a diverse array of industries such as Oil & Gas, manufacturing, food & beverage, and more,” the Siemens CEO said in a statement.

Also speaking on the deal, Daere Akobo, CEO, PE Energy said:

“As a player in the Nigerian industrial sector, PE Energy has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence and innovation.

“By teaming up with Siemens Digital Industries, a global innovation and technology leader in industrial automation, PE Energy is set to provide unparalleled services that enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and sustainability for its clients.

“We are excited about this partnership with Siemens Digital Industries. This collaboration aligns with our mission to offer cutting-edge technology and comprehensive solutions that meet the dynamic needs of our clients across various industries.

“Together, we will drive the implementation of state-of-the-art solutions in Nigeria’s industrial sector, fostering growth and competitiveness.”

The partnership, he added, will leverage Siemens’ advanced technology and expertise in automation, drive systems and process instrumentation while PE Energy will integrate these solutions to deliver customized, high-performance systems that address the unique challenges faced by Nigerian industries.

“This includes enhancing factory automation processes, optimizing motion and drives applications, and improving process instrumentation for better control and efficiency.”

Tech

Safaricom, M-Pesa Foundations donate Sh15m to victims of Kenyan protests

Published

1 day ago

July 5, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenya’s tech giants, Safaricom and M-Pesa, have made a joint donation of KES Sh15m to victims of the protests that have rocked the country in the last two weeks.

The two companies which made the donation through their Foundations also rolled out infrastructure developmental projects and support to hospitals catering for the project victims.

Safaricom CEO, Peter Ndegwa, who spoke at the Kenyatta National Hospital while visiting the victims on Thursday, said as part of the donation, KES 10 million would go to the hospital’s Disaster Response Centre, while KES 5 million would go towards supporting those injured and admitted at the hospital.

“Our Foundations are there to stand with people, especially in times of need. We are happy to provide hospitals with structured support in times of emergencies, both for infrastructure improvement and patient recovery,” Ndegwa said.

He said the KES 5 million will be for the provision of assistive devices to the injured, smartphones and airtime for those who lost their phones, supporting affected individuals with three months’ worth of food as well as one year’s worth of rent for those in extreme condition.

The Safaricom CEO added that to provide further immediate support, the firm, through its M-Pesa Foundation, is organizing medical camps in affected areas, starting with Githurai on 6th July, followed by Rongai at a later date.

“In the medium term, Safaricom will also mobilize its Gen Z employees as well as other like-minded corporates and foundations, under the #GenZforGenZ initiative, which will entail volunteer squads leading community outreaches, clean-ups, and medical camps.

“The long-term plan will entail a comprehensive execution of community programs through M-Pesa and Safaricom Foundations, with an increased focus on Gen Z.

“This includes providing TVET scholarships, economic empowerment through the Ndoto Zetu program, agri-business value chain opportunities through the Wezesha Agri Program, and offering access to business training and micro-loans in 13 counties, starting with Nakuru, Nairobi, Kajiado, and Migori.

“The plan will also include supporting mental health through strategic partnerships and provision of complimentary counselling services,” he said.