This facility will have the capacity to manufacture one million laptops and tablets specifically designed for primary and secondary schools in Uganda.
During a visit by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) delegation, led by Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo, Benton Technologies Company showcased their remarkable 20,000 square meter manufacturing facility situated on the outskirts of Shenzhen city in Guangdong province.
The delegation, consisting of government and private sector officials, came to China to explore opportunities for Ugandan agro-industrial products in the Chinese market and to attract investments in food and mineral processing within Uganda.
Shenzhen, a bustling town in close proximity to Hong Kong, has established itself as a global electronics and export hub, making it an ideal location for this groundbreaking partnership.
PACEID aims to attract Chinese wholesale and distribution companies to promote Ugandan food products, as part of Uganda’s ambitious target of generating $6 billion in revenue over the next five years from key sectors such as coffee, grains, dairy, beef, bananas, poultry, fruits and vegetables, tourism, cement, and steel.
Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. Li Kaifu, a representative of Benton Technologies, emphasized the company’s focus on integrating design, research, and development to produce high-quality computing products specifically designed for educational institutions.
He expressed excitement about partnering with Uganda and supporting President Museveni’s vision of adding value to the country’s mineral products by establishing local assembly capabilities.
Mr. Li Kaifu also praised Uganda for offering favorable incentives to Benton Technologies and expressed confidence in meeting the agreed-upon timeline for commencing assembly operations.
Notably, Benton Technologies is no stranger to international markets, with major retailers and telecommunications providers such as Amazon, AT&T, Rakuten, and Target Retail among its customers.
The company specializes in producing a wide range of products, including children’s tablets for schools, mini personal computers, Point of Sale (POS) machines, and conference projection equipment.
With 30 percent of its products supplied to the US market, 15 percent to Africa, and the remainder to the EU and South America, Benton Technologies has gained a reputation for delivering top-notch computing solutions worldwide.
Furthermore, Benton Technologies has established strong partnerships with renowned technology giants like Qualcomm from the United States and Samsung from South Korea, ensuring access to cutting-edge computing chipsets.
This technological advantage, combined with the commitment to local assembly in Uganda, holds immense potential for driving economic growth and reducing the country’s reliance on imported PCs and tablets, which currently cost over $160 million annually.
Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo, in his address to the Benton Technologies team, emphasized the need for Uganda to transition from mere importation to local assembly and eventual manufacturing of PCs and tablets.
He highlighted the potential for producing essential components like cables, circuit boards, plastic coverings, and packaging materials within Uganda, urging a shift towards disciplined manufacturing practices and adherence to quality standards.
Rwabwogo drew inspiration from the remarkable growth of Shenzhen, a city that transformed from humble beginnings to a global technology hub, and expressed confidence in Uganda’s ability to achieve similar success through focused efforts.
Looking ahead, Rwabwogo encouraged Benton Technologies to consider a comprehensive value proposition for Uganda, including energy solutions to power laptops in village schools, internet accessibility to facilitate online learning and maintenance, and a robust distribution network to ensure timely delivery and proper upkeep of products over an extended period.
The PACEID delegation further traveled to Xiamen to engage with coffee processors and explore additional opportunities with commodity off-takers, underscoring Uganda’s commitment to expanding its export capabilities and economic diversification.
This momentous partnership between Benton Technologies and Uganda holds the promise of revolutionizing the education sector and fueling economic growth. With the combined efforts and dedication of both nations, the future of education in Uganda looks brighter than ever before.
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