Tech

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

Published

5 months 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

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

11 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.

Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.