By Dipo Olowookere
Mara Corporation Limited (MC) has disclosed that it plans to launch its Mara X for the African market in the second quarter of 2018.
The Mara X, according to the firm, will be a one-of-a-kind high-quality smartphone in partnership with Google.
A statement issued by Mara Corporation explained that the Mara X will be launched as part of Google’s Android One portfolio, getting a software experience designed by Google to be smart, secure and simply amazing.
It comes with the latest innovations from Google and will run the latest operating system, Android 8.0 Oreo; with two years of OS upgrades.
The device has been optimized for the Google Assistant which is owner’s personal Google, ready to help throughout the day.
With unlimited high quality photo storage from Google Photos and a carefully curated set of pre-installed apps, the Mara X makes sure African users have enough space for the apps they love. Regular security updates and Google Play Protect built in mean the Mara X is among the most secure devices available.
“Across Africa and in other emerging markets, we need smartphones that are both extremely affordable and high quality,” explained Mara Chairman Jagdish Thakkar. “These phones will give people the ability to improve their lives through accessing information online and using them for trade and financial services.”
Siya Chug, the Brand Director, describes the Mara Phone as a “proudly African brand.” Mara Group began as a small IT business in Uganda, and has since expanded to the globally recognized multi-sector investment group that it is today, employing over 14,000 people across 25 African countries and three continents.
Mara Corporation said it also focuses on building a digital e-commerce ecosystem to meet the evolving needs of consumers across Africa by investing in key e-commerce enablers like financial technology, social media, last mile logistics and now the Mara X.
“The Mara X is a device that people can have fun with, learn with and use to build a better future. Africa is seeing a new generation of entrepreneurs looking for mobile technology to help run their businesses, and the Mara X will work for them to pursue greater heights.
“Our continent is expected to have over 700 million smartphones within a few years, and that connectivity will truly transform lives,” said Mara Corporation Founder, Ashish J Thakkar.
