KIGALI (Reuters) - Rwanda’s Mara Group launched two smartphones on Monday, describing them as the first “Made in Africa” models and giving a boost to the country’s ambitions to become a regional technology hub.

Workers display the Mara X and Mara Z smartphones during their launch by Rwanda's Mara Group in Kigali, Rwanda October 7, 2019. REUTERS/Jean Bizimana
The Mara X and Mara Z will use Google’s Android operating system and cost 175,750 Rwandan francs ($190) and 120,250 Rwandan francs ($130) respectively.

They will compete with Samsung, whose cheapest smartphone costs 50,000 Rwandan francs ($54), and non-branded phones at 35,000 Rwandan francs ($37). Mara Group CEO Ashish Thakkar said it was targeting customers willing to pay more for quality.

“This is the first smartphone manufacturer in Africa,” Thakkar told Reuters after touring the company alongside Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame.

I remember when we as Nigerians used Rwanda to insult people who looked poor and we still cannot provide 24/7 electricity for ourselves

.