AfricaCom 2024 was abuzz with talk of the future, and HONOR, a rising star in the tech world, was right in the thick of it. With a remarkable 600% year-on-year growth, the company has secured its place among the top two smartphone brands in South Africa’s competitive post-paid market.
This success was further amplified by HONOR’s prominent presence at Africa Tech Festival 2024, where they teamed up with Google and Cell C for a lively panel discussion. The focus? Exploring the transformative potential of AI and foldable smartphones in the African market.
Fred Zhou, the CEO of HONOR South Africa, led the charge, joined by Cell C CEO Jorge Mendes and Vinod Nenwani, Google’s head of Android partnerships for North and South Africa. They dove headfirst into how these cutting-edge technologies can boost growth, bridge the digital divide, and get more Africans connected.
Responsible AI
HONOR made it clear that they’re not just about flashy tech; they’re serious about using AI responsibly. Fred Zhou emphasised HONOR’s commitment to working within local regulations and ensuring that AI benefits everyone, not just a select few. “HONOR ensures it follows local regulations wherever we operate,” stated Zhou. “We support the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies’ balanced approach to unlock AI’s full potential while ensuring its equitable benefits for all Africans.” With the proliferation of AI in consumer devices and its potential for both good and bad, It’s refreshing to see a tech company prioritising ethical AI.
Smartphones: More Than Just a Device
The panel got everyone thinking about how smartphones are evolving. With AI -powered smartphones and foldable designs, they’re becoming more intuitive and user-friendly, opening up a world of possibilities for people across Africa. It’s not just about making calls anymore; it’s about empowering people to learn, connect, and thrive in the digital age.
Jorge Mendes, hit the nail on the head when he said, “Technology has the power to change lives.”The amazing capabilities of smartphones are allowing us to use it for education and driving the growth of the digital economy. We’re committed to working closely with partners like HONOR to ensure these advancements contribute meaningfully to bridging the digital divide.”
HONOR isn’t just talking the talk; they’re walking the walk. They’ve invested a whopping R400 million in South Africa, supporting initiatives like the Youth Employment Service and the Code with HONOR program. When asked specifically about these programs, Zhou made it clear they’re serious about empowering the next generation of tech-savvy South Africans and will continue to invest in South Africa as part of their growth strategy.
Collaboration is Key
The panel stressed that working together is essential for tackling Africa’s unique challenges, like limited infrastructure and digital literacy gaps. Google’s Vinod Nenwani emphasized their commitment to making information accessible to everyone, even in under-served communities.
“What we are seeing is a platform shift,” explained Nenwani. “As we continue our mission to make information universally accessible, Google is dedicated to enhancing connectivity across Africa. As responsible players, we can ensure that the technology reaches even the most under-served communities, providing opportunities for economic empowerment and inclusion”.
HONOR is also making AI more accessible by incorporating it into their mid-range devices. Zhou emphasized this as a key differentiator for the brand, ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to a wider audience.
Showcasing Innovation
HONOR didn’t just talk about the future; they showed it off. Marking their debut participation at AfricaCom 2024 with a showcase of its industry-leading technology, including a walk-through hosted for Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi. Minister Malatsi addressed critical issues surrounding AI, data pricing, and the affordability of smartphones.
From Left: Fred Zhou, HONOR South Africa CEO, Minister of Communications and Digital Communications, Solly Malatsi and Daniel Wang, President of MEA, HONOR]
He highlighted an obsession with reducing the cost of smartphones and making them more accessible to the end consumer.
“I have been in conversations with treasury about Ad Valorem, It’s one of those things I’ve been very vocal about. The cost of smart devices as it is, is a major barrier to affordability and those conversations with treasury are ongoing.I think everyone in the space recognises what are some of the drivers of that cost.
“The key question is you’ve got to maintain a balance between tax revenue collection and affordability. My obsession is about finding opportunities that can reduce the cost on the end consumer.” he continued.
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