Samsung, Airtel partner in Africa

Airtel and Samsung have signed a two-year partnership deal that allows Airtel exclusive rights to distribute Samsung Electronics' wireless products in 17 African countries for six months, Myjoyonline reports.

Bharti Airtel, the world's fifth-biggest mobile phone operator by subscribers, says the move was aimed at driving mobile penetration in Africa.

According to News Tonight, Bharti will offer smartphones, mass-market handsets, tablet computers, dongles and routers across 17 countries in the continent.

Bharti plans to expand its base in sub-Saharan Africa to see the telecommunications services provider opening more than 2 200 retail stores in 2012. The new stores will also serve consumers as key retail outlets for Samsung's products.

Manoj Kohli, Bharti Airtel CEO and joint MD, says the company will work closely with Samsung to provide customers across every segment with cutting-edge products, Wireless Federation states.

He adds that the companies will also work together to develop services to enhance m-commerce, m-health and other areas that have significant social benefits for the communities in Africa.