Huawei to open smartphone factory in Egypt to serve African/Arabian markets

Huawei is set to open its first smartphone market in Egypt according to a report from Daily News Egypt. Hala Aranda, the company’s regional Senior Manager of Public Relations and Government Affairs Department stated that they are currently in negotiations with the Ministry of Investment. Although a final agreement hasn’t been reached yet, the country’s government has promised to be a ‘strategic partner’ in getting the project(s) up and running in the Suez Canal Area…

Huawei says the factory is being planned to serve its markets in Africa and the Arab region. Smartphones being built there will mostly be exported to the surrounding countries and the African continent. While the initial outlay might be costly, it will help Huawei save costs in the long-run by reducing shipment costs accrued from bringing in smartphones from Asia. Huawei is already heavily invested in the Egyptian market and provides management services for 50% of the carrier Mobinil’s networks.

Of course, it’s no surprise to see Huawei focussing on developing its influence in global markets. It recently overtook Xiaomi as the number one smartphone vendor in its homeland, became the third biggest smartphone-maker in the world, and the second most popular Android brand in Europe. This performance is based on its strong portfolio of well-made bottom and mid-tier products that are affordable, but don’t have many compromises. Its Honor sub-brand in particular has been pushing the boundaries of what you can expect to get for your money with devices like the Honor 7.

Perhaps more impressive is the Nexus 6P. It’s the first time Google has partnered with a Chinese manufacturer to build a Nexus device, and arguably the first time we’ve had a Nexus without a noticeable compromise. Its camera is among the best on the market, it runs the latest version of Android, and its fit and finish are about as premium as it gets. Its entry in to the smartwatch scene has been equally as impressive.

As 2015 ends and 2016 rolls in, Huawei has dragged itself to the fore and is certainly the manufacturer to watch next year. If it continues with its current product strategy and carries on releasing great devices, it won’t be long before it’s a name as well-known to the public as the likes of Samsung and Sony.