Sahara Computers, together with the Mozambican government, has confirmed that work on the planned computer assembly plant is expected to be complete by September 2008.
The South African supplier of information, communication and digital lifestyle technology entered into negotiations with the Mozambican government some years ago to establish a 3 000-unit per month PC manufacturing plant.
This negotiation process culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Sahara and the Mozambican government in 2007, under the auspices and joint co-operation of the Mozambique Information and Communication Technology (MICT) organisation.
The manufacturing plant will focus on the production and distribution of desktop PCs and notebooks.
The intention, says Gary Naidoo, deputy Managing Director at Sahara, is to have the 5 000 square metre ICT and component distribution plant serve as a primary supplier of digital infrastructure and PC equipment to the region.
While this is a joint initiative, based on a partnership between Sahara and the Mozambique government to bolster access to PC infrastructure to developing market segments, the computers that are being produced will carry a different brand name.
"Our involvement in this sizeable project is to invest in the establishment, growth and sustainability of information, communication and digital lifestyle technology with Mozambique. It is fitting that personal computers produced should carry the brand Dzowo, a name that is widely acknowledged for its reference to influential leadership of the country, that which helped to shape its direction and growth," says Naidoo.
Sahara Holdings, in conjunction with MICT, has identified a number of areas that will benefit from the solutions provided via this plant. These areas include government, education and the local corporate sector, with a strong focus on ICT and telecommunications development.
The plant is expected to meet specific requirements from a broad spectrum of users, including universities, secondary schools, local business and the government.
Authorities anticipate that the venture and large-scale project will also assist in addressing a number of key socio-economic objectives such as job creation, skills development and transfer, training and business development.
"In the long-term, the core focus is going to be the development of local business and entrepreneurs through the creation of dealerships and resellers throughout Mozambique. We will also explore the possibility of expanding capacity to export products to neighbouring countries," adds Naidoo.
Share
Established in 1997 Sahara Computers assembles and markets PCs and peripherals through a global distribution network that covers both established and emerging markets.
The company is an official distributor and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for a variety of top international vendors, including: AMD, Creative, Delta, Epson, Foxconn, Intel, Lexmark, Maxtor, Microsoft, Samsung, SMC Networks and Symantec.
The core focus of Sahara's operation is the consistent and effective supply of product to rapidly expanding market sectors, including corporate, government, digital lifestyle and mobile & wireless.
This operation is managed via the company's head office in Midrand, Gauteng, considered a central business hub. The Sahara business network stretches across South Africa and includes Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth.
Sahara Computers has successfully extended its reach to key regions and emerging global markets, including Dubai, China and India. The Sahara brand is also well known across Africa, with established company presence in countries like Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique and Namibia.
Sahara is also an accredited member of the Proudly South African campaign as well as the SAVANT global SA brand awareness initiative. Corporate social responsibility is a key priority and it continues to contribute towards projects and programmes aimed at individual and community upliftment.
The name Sahara is widely associated with the development of sport, including soccer, cricket, and rugby, the support of ICT literacy and skills development initiatives, and access to much needed technology in rural areas.
Among the many sponsorship/technology supply agreements in place, Sahara also concluded a deal with Mamelodi Sundowns, a top ranking soccer club competing in South Africa's Professional Soccer League.
The sponsorship is underpinned by the provision of communications infrastructure and mobile technology - including laptops, notebooks and digital lifestyle technology - and signals Sahara's commitment to the club and South African soccer in general.
Effective marketing and generating awareness are significant elements of the company's ongoing marketing campaign.
Under the direction of Atul Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of Sahara, the company is on course to realise its vision to become a truly global brand and premier IT supplier throughout Africa.
For more information on Sahara Computers, its products and services, visit www.sahara.co.za.
Editorial contacts