Walvis Bay
Two Namibian businessmen made a massive breakthrough into international markets this week when they signed an exclusive N$8 billion deal as the sole distributors of a new type of phone, which is set to take Africa by storm.
Speaking to New Era from Johannesburg after signing the agreement on Monday, the Managing Director of THL Africa Distributors, Clifford Lyners, could hardly contain his excitement. He said the contract with THL Africa gives them exclusive distribution rights throughout Africa for a range of state-of-the-art smartphones.
The so-called ultraphones are produced in China by a high-technology firm, called Shenzhen Hongjiayuan Communication Technology Company, which specialises in the research and development of mobile technology.
“Our board of directors would like to emphasise that this contract is worth N8 billion over the next two years and it is expected to double in value over four years,” Lyners said.
THL Africa Distributors, founded by Rojo van Wyk and Michael Dausab, two up-and-coming businessmen from Walvis Bay, now have exclusive rights to launch, market and distribute THL Africa’s ‘ultraphones’ across the continent.
“Here’s the kicker – the ultraphone is a full-on smartphone with internet connectivity and high-quality camera, but typically our phones have a five-day battery life with a built-in power bank that allows the user to charge other devices from their phone,” Lyners said.
Dausab said it was a proud moment for them. “We are honoured and excited to be bringing this new mobile world to Africa and its people.”
THL aims to build a reputation as “the preferred brand of choice within the African smartphone market”, he said. Van Wyk believes Africa’s people are ready for an affordable smartphone. “We are confident that this agreement will enable us to provide access to the latest technology, especially to those who previously could not afford it, and in so doing, deliver a positive impact on Africa, its people and most importantly, its economic growth,” he said.
Lyners said they are on a tight schedule to get all the logistics in place by November and will be looking for local partners to work with. They will offer a number of options to large and small companies that want to get in on the action as sub-distributors, he said.
He says they hope the deal will boost local business and job-creation prospects. A big launch event with international artists is provisionally scheduled for November and they are currently scouting for brand ambassadors to market their new phones across Africa, Lyners added.