Cloud Adoption: Samsung builds mobile devices for African market

Boulanger, Director, IT Solutions & B2B, Samsung Africa

One of the leading mobile manufacturer, Samsung Electronics has reiterated it’s determination to build mobile devices to boost cloud adoption for Africa.

This was revealed by Thierry Boulanger, Director of IT Solutions and B2B at Samsung Africa, stressing that the accessibility of technology and growth of online shopping has seen many consumers bypass local channels to gain access products from elsewhere before they are available in their traditional retail markets. Boulanger warned this is not always ideal as using the correct channels provide benefits that people might not always be aware of.

“While technology adheres to certain uniform principles, some manufacturers tailor their devices to suit the requirements of specific countries. For example, the Samsung Built for Africa programme sees products designed to meet the needs, resources, and conditions of the continent,” he said.

Following extensive research and development, he said Samsung applied this methodology to products ranging from televisions, fridges and even to air-conditioners.

“These are tailored to be specific to the needs of consumers in Africa,” he said, noting that regions with high temperatures and humidity require products that are designed differently than those used in colder Northern European conditions.

He cited an instance, saying these solutions include the Samsung’s range of Duracool refrigerators that stay cooler for longer without power or surge safe TVs that are able to withstand power surges. Also, Boulanger pointed out that not only are many of Samsung products designed for local market conditions, but consumers often forget that buying from the correct local channels provides them additional benefits, including the likes of access to the support structures and platforms in those countries when it comes to warranty fulfillment, where Samsung has a 24 month warranty policy.

Repairs,he said, could be quite expensive on imported devices as there is often a lack of spare parts in local markets.

“What’s more, often the product isn’t designed to meet local market compatibility specifications. Just think of an all-in-one printer that includes a fax option purchased from a store in the United States. The modem inside that unit is designed for the telecommunications networks of that country and not for the ones in Africa which can result in many frustrations,” he said.

He submitted that Samsung is committed to providing customers with a premium experience.“When they purchase their products through the correct local channels, we can control how effectively that experience is implemented. 

t’s about understanding the market conditions, unique customer needs and building products and relevant support channels specifically for this. We have done exactly that an as such, urge consumers to investigate the benefits that purchasing through authorised channels provide,” Boulanger said.

Remmy Nweke

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