A
company founded by VĂ©rone Mankou, the Congolese entrepreneur behind the
first tablet made in Africa, announced the opening of its first VMK
store in Abidjan on 19 February 2015. Located in the Treichville commune
at Zone 3 C, Immeuble Rive Gauche, this point of sale – which will
exclusively sell products from the VMK range – marks the beginning of
the Congolese company’s expansion beyond its borders. The Abidjan VMK
store, which will ultimately employ around 10 people, will be an
addition to VMK’s first-ever store in Brazzaville, which was opened in
partnership with the South African operator, MTN.
VMK
plans to expand its store locations to five countries in the region by
the end of the year. A second store is scheduled to open in the Ivory
Coast economic capital, before the opening of three other VMK stores in
Kinshasa, Douala and Dakar before the end of 2015. “My underlying
ambition is to bridge the digital gap in Africa. These VMK stores are
being set up to make new technologies accessible to as many people as
possible,” explains VĂ©rone Mankou. “We will offer a top-of-the-range
selection of products, aimed at the general public.” The VMK range,
which also includes two smartphone models available from FCFA 11,900 and
FCFA 19,900 (EUR 18 and EUR 30 respectively) has recently been enhanced
by the addition of a premium model, the Elikia L.
This
outstanding handset, offered at FCFA 64,900 (EUR 99), comes equipped
with a larger screen than its predecessor. Not only that, but VMK is
getting ready to launch its second tablet in March. It will be available
for less than FCFA 140,000 (EUR 210). “The opening of a store in
Abidjan is an essential step in the extension of our Pan-African vision.
It is here, at the crossroads of West Africa, that VMK has decided to
embark upon conquering the new class of African consumers,” adds VĂ©rone
Mankou.
Produced
in China until now, VMK devices will shortly be assembled in the
soon-to-be factory in the Republic of Congo. This production unit, which
is in the process of being built in the Mpila neighbourhood of
Brazzaville, has required an investment of nearly two million dollars
and will be used exclusively for the VMK range of products. VMK’s
Chinese partner company has started training the locals who will be
employed at the factory – more than 90 people in total. VMK plans to
produce 350,000 units per month.
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