Infotech

‘Malata phones are for today, the future’

Published

8 years ago

January 11, 2016

Can you tell us about Malata mobile, how the brand evolved and came into the Nigerian market?

Malata Mobile, a subsidiary company of Malata Group, was established in 2004. The Malata group is one of the top electronic enterprises in China that engaged in production of consumer electronic Research and Development (R&D), production and distribution since 1984. Our major industries include digital AV product, Notebook PC and peripherals, GPS navigation device, car multimedia electronics, home appliance, communication and lithium polymer battery.

Over the years, with our advanced facilities and experienced R&D engineering team, we have been working with many world leading OEM/ODM companies and producing mobile devices for them according to their specifications. Over a year ago, we launched a couples of mobile phones into the Nigerian market with our own brand’s name ‘Malata’. Today, I can tell you that those phones are doing well in the market.

So, what has been the level of acceptance of the Malata phones in Nigeria?

The acceptance of the Malata phones has been impressive. Throughout the country Malata phones are doing really good. Our unique business model in Nigeria has really helped us thus far, and we have been able to grab a considerable market share in just a year plus since entering the Nigerian market. Although, we still have growth opportunities and we are expecting the best in the years ahead.

Are all the Malata products in Nigeria certified by SON and NCC?

Yes. Malata Mobile is certified by SON and NCC with the varieties of all our models.

What have been your major challenges, since you entered the Nigerian market?

You know in Nigeria people tend to be inclined towards products that they are familiar with. We encountered challenges as it is with any new brand. There was a perception that Malata sounded like a Yoruba name which is not, but with the experience and strong team, we were able to convince people about that notion. The product itself plays a part because it’s a tangible product everybody can feel and see. That was how people became convinced after a trial that Malata is a good brand to go along with.

Do you have after sale service centre?

Yes, of course. Malata phones come with a 13-month warranty and we already have over five service centres spread across Nigeria. We have in Lagos Kano, Anambra, Abuja and Port-Harcourt with more to be finalised soon. We set up these service centres to assist our customers with professional after sale service support.

There are many mobile phones in the market, what edge does Malata phones have to remain in the market?

Aside the fact that Malata is an android smart phone, people buy Malata phones because they are of high quality, affordable and getting our accessories in the market is as easy as ABC and that has really differentiated us from other brands in the market. Also if you compare the specifications on Malata mobile phones with other brands in relation to price, you will find that Malata gives you a better deal. Remember, I said earlier that Malata manufactures mobile devices for other brands. We have our own production facility and a product testing centre to ensure the quality of our products and with advanced facilities and experienced R&D team, this guarantees the quality of our product and also significantly reduces the cost of production.

How many products do you have in the market currently?

Initially, we entered the market with six brands, but at the moment we have about 10 phones. The latest high end Smart phone we have currently in the market is the Max 4 and Max 5. Others include the M4 and M5 and our feature phones include M100, M200 and M300 among others.

How affordable are Malata phones?

All Malata phones are very affordable. They are pocket friendly and you can find them in all moblile phones retail outlets across Nigeria. You can also get them online stores.

What is your message to your customers?

We want all our customers and phone dealers who have been so supportive of our brand to know that they can rest assured of quality products from Malata. This is a brand that they need to stick to, because it is for today and the future. Also we are committed to helping them resolve any challenges they might encounter because their satisfaction is very key to us as a brand.

Infotech

Nigeria’s IT sector will remain strong inspite of challenges – DG NITDA

Published

1 day ago

December 9, 2023

NewsDirect

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa has stated that Nigeria’s IT sector will remain strong inspite of challenges.

Speaking during an event ‘CONNECT THE DOT’S CONFERENCE’, with the Theme ”Igniting Resilience and Empowering Youth”, which was held in Abuja, the DG said the agency is focusing on building resilience in the face of challenges for the development of Nigeria’s information technology sector.

He stated that NITDA is working on various initiatives to ensure that the country’s IT industry remains strong and resilient in the face of challenges.

“We must be resilient in the face of challenges, and this is particularly important in the IT industry,” Inuwa said.

“We are working on various initiatives to promote resilience in the sector, including the establishment of IT hubs in universities, and the promotion of local content development.”

He also highlighted the importance of digital transformation in building resilience, stating that NITDA is working to ensure that more Nigerians have access to digital technologies and skills, which will enable them to adapt to the changing digital landscape.

He further reiterated the agency’s commitment to building a strong and sustainable IT industry in Nigeria, and pledged to work with relavant bodies towards achieving its goals.

Business

NCC pledges support to Meta on digital economy initiatives

Published

5 days ago

December 5, 2023

NewsDirect

By Blessing Emmanuel, Abuja

The Nigerian Communi cations Commission (NCC) has pledged its readiness to support digital economic initiatives of investors, including Meta (formerly Facebook), that align with Nigeria’s vision for a robust digital economy.

During a visit to the NCC’s headquarters in Abuja, a delegation from Meta, led by Kojo Boakye, the company’s Vice President for Africa, the Middle-East, and Turkey, met with Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The NCC EVC emphasised the importance of compliance with industry laws, regulations, and guidelines for creating a level-playing field that encourages healthy competition and sustainable growth in the Nigerian telecoms sector.

Boakye congratulating Dr. Maida on his appointment, shared Meta’s ongoing efforts to land the 2Africa submarine cable in Nigeria.

According to Boakye, “The 45,000-kilometer-long cable, scheduled to go live in 2023, will be one of the world’s largest subsea cable projects, interconnecting Europe (via Egypt), Asia (via Saudi Arabia), and Africa.

“With a design capacity of up to 180 terabytes per second (Tbps), the 2Africa cable aims to deliver much-needed Internet capacity and reliability across Africa, supporting the growth of 4G, 5G, and fixed broadband access.”

Boakye sought NCC’s support in navigating legal and regulatory processes for the cable’s landing in Nigeria, emphasising the positive impact it will have on connectivity and affordability.

The Meta delegation also outlined plans to simultaneously land the 2Africa cable in Lagos and Akwa-Ibom States through a consortium.

Boakye emphasised that this approach aims to connect those currently without access while enhancing and providing affordable access for those already connected.

Responding, Dr. Maida assured Meta of NCC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that align with Nigeria’s digital economy agenda and welcomed the potential benefits the 2Africa cable could bring to the country’s telecommunications landscape.

Infotech

Minister Tijani reels out 100 days achievement, hails Tinubu

Published

6 days ago

December 4, 2023

NewsDirect

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has reeled out his 100 days achievements as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a recent address, Minister Tijani expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the unique honour bestowed upon him, and highlighted the collective accomplishments, outlining the path ahead for the Ministry.

Commending the unwavering support from directors, agency heads, and the entire team (NCC, NITDA, NigComSat, NDPC, NIPOST, GBB, etc), he emphasised the dynamic and cohesive force that has been shaped within the Ministry during this period.

Highlighting his achievements in office, Dr Tijani said, “The Ministry’s mandate, structured around five pillars – Knowledge, Policy, Infrastructure, Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Capital, and Trade – forms the core of the Strategic Blueprint. This blueprint guides the Ministry’s role in realizing the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“In the first 100 days, the Knowledge pillar has been instrumental in driving initiatives, most notably the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. With over 1.6 million talented Nigerians applying in a month, partnerships, including a N1 Billion commitment from IHS Nigeria and UNDP’s funding for 3,000 internships, have significantly amplified the impact.

“The National AI Research Scheme received 2,118 proposals, showcasing the depth of talent in applying technology to critical sectors. Collaborations with the Raspberry Pi Foundation led to the establishment of Code Clubs in 17 locations, fostering technological talent from a young age.

“Under the Policy pillar, collaboration with NITDA resulted in the launch of the Startup Support and Engagement Portal, aligning with the Startup Act. White Papers on top AI talent of Nigerian descent and the 1:10:100 Implementation approach outline strategic directions.

“The Infrastructure pillar achieved milestones, including mapping over 2,500 innovation spaces and revamping NigComSat’s platforms. Extending coverage to underserved locations aligns with the commitment to providing digital opportunities. Engagements at global forums such as the Mobile World Congress and ITU-World Radio Conference underscore Nigeria’s global presence.”

On innovation, entrepreneurship and capital, Dr Tijani noted that “significant partnerships were forged under the Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Capital (IEC) pillar, including the $116 million financing for AFD’s I-DICE program and a $100 million Global AI partnership.”

“Initiatives like the 4IRTA platform and the Young Innovative Builders program demonstrate dedication to leveraging technology for sustainable development,” he narrated.

The Minister explained further that the achievements of his 100 days in office were a result of collective efforts that have shaped the first 100 days.