The demand for computers and computer-related products and services has recorded a increase in Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole due to the ongoing process of computerisation that is taking place throughout African at the moment. At one time, the African market was considered a ‘dumping ground’ for surplus products from the developed nations. Not any longer.
Hence Inspur Group a Chinese company has set it eyes on Zimbabwe and will from next year establish a computer manufacturing plant in the country subsequently after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Zimbabwean government and China last week.
Inspur Group Co. Ltd. (formerly Langchao) is a Chinese multinational information technology company headquartered in Jinan, Shandong, China. It operates in the sectors of system and technology, software and service and semiconductor and it provides IT products and services for more than 30 countries around the world. Inspur’s business activities include server manufacturing and software development. It also acts as an outsourcing service provider for both the US and Japan. Inspur Group Co. Ltd, the company is the leading supplier for cloud computing solutions in China.
The computer manufacturing company will have an output of about 50000 computers per year.
Inspur Group and the government of Zimbabwe signed a letter of commitment on technical cooperation in areas such as national information data centre, high performance computer system and the establishment of a joint venture company to manufacture computers.
“This will support the implementation of the 10-point plan as outlined by President Robert Mugabe to promote and strengthen the e-education system by realisation of the goal to achieve one computer for every student,” the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Ray Ndhlukula said.
Inspur Group, led by its president, Mr Sun Pishu and his delegation are visiting Zimbabwe to review the current implementation of the e-government projects as detailed in the memorandum of understanding.
There are a few easy ways for computer traders and producers to make their presence felt in the markets of Africa. For traders of computer accessories and peripherals, Africa is certainly a very profitable market.
- Techunzipped