Egyptian Smartphone-Manufacturer SICO Targets the African Market

According to local media outlets, Egypt’s first smartphone maker has plans to boost exports by entering the African broader market by the end of this year or beginning of 2019.

SICO, short for Silicon Industries Corporation, already has a market in the Gulf. However, it is planning on selling phones in South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco, Mozambique, Ghana, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo where is there a steady demand for affordable phones unlike the Gulf where competition is already high.

The decision was stated by SICO Sales Director Mahmoud Ali according to Reuters who also said that phones would be sold at US $50 or $60 outside of Egypt. Currently, the company keeps 60 percent of its production and exports the rest.

SICO Tech, which was set up last year with a capital of 150 million EGP, is the first Egypt based technology and handset manufacturer of reliable and affordable 4G smartphones introducing personal devices like tablets and smartphones.

The company has invested 440 million Egyptian pounds into the development of six types of smartphones so far. It plans to introduce new phones and products, bringing its total products line to 14.

They’ve gone on sale under the name ‘Nile X’. To develop the smartphone, SICO partnered with Chinese company Megane, as reported by Egypt Independent; as such, the phone use a Chinese design of 3G/4G U.S. technology.

The company is held jointly by private investors who hold up 80 percent and the 20 percent by Ministry of Communication.

The design incorporates an LCD display and a touch panel, as well as 4G capabilities, impressive elements considering the low cost the company sells at. SICO also hopes to be listed on the Cairo stock exchange within three years.