In Africa, the poor internet penetration rate is partially due to the high cost of electronic devices. A Malian joint-venture framed by French and Malian groups wants to tackle that issue.  

Malian joint venture Danew Talla Electronics will soon set up a laptop and tablet assembly plant in Bamako. The information was disclosed by its CEO, Renaud Amiel, at the end of an audience with Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga last Monday (June 6). 

According to Renaud Amiel, the plant will supply the local and West African markets. For  Choguel Kokalla Maïga, who promised the government’s “full support”, the various products assembled will eventually help reduce the digital divide and create job opportunities for the youth. 

In Africa, the high cost of electronic devices is one of the obstacles to internet access and the development of the digital sector. To address the situation, Danew Talla Electronics will sell quality laptops and notebooks at about XOF65,000 (US$106.3) with models going for sale at about XOF100,000.

The plant’s estimated production capacity is 600,000 tablets and laptops annually and the production phase is expected to start by September 2022.  The venture is expected to create at least 200 direct jobs and up to 1,000 indirect jobs in the long term. 

Renaud Amiel explains that the Danew Talla Electronics will also train 1,000 Malians in laptop repairing and maintenance.  “We will create a national network of about 1,000 people with tablets and all the tools and software necessary to repair and service our products,” he said. 

Ruben Tchounyabe