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Archos Eyes about 40% Nigeria’s Smart Devices Market -Olukotun

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10 years ago

April 21, 2015

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Ademola Olukotun is the country manager, Archos in Nigeria. He is a seasoned product manager with a vast experience in start-up businesses to a world class standard.
Ademola was a foundation staff of Visafone Communication Limited (CDMA Network in Nigeria). He later joined Etisalat Nigeria as one of the foundation staff and also commenced the Devices department of company.
He also worked with Airtel Network Limited as Manager Devices & Partnership and also was a key player in starting up SOLO Phone Nigeria Limited before joining Archos S.A in 2015 to manage the Nigeria business for the company.
In this interview with peter ugwu, he explains Archos’ uniqueness and business opportunities in Nigeria.

User perception of Archos products
Before speaking on that, I want to make it clear how phone distribution in Nigeria is structured. We have the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Archos, the distributors made up of companies that buy the products and resell to the retailers.
Retailers are closer to the consumers. Why I used that analogy as prelude to answering how the perception has been, is that these partners have their ways of reviewing a product. For instance, the retailers the likes of Slot, Micro Station, etc., most customers have one time or the other patronised either of these retailers.
They have actually accepted us well. The reason being that, most their MDs or CEOs who are widely traveled, have come in contact with Archos before we launched in Nigeria. So, it was not a ‘new product’ to them when we came in.
It gave us an edge and made our marketing very easy. We have been in business since 1988 and about 80% of them have come in contact with us. On the customers’ perspective, we have cutting-edge SkYous (models) of smart devices.
We launched into the market six smartphones and two tablets. That was very interesting and huge for a new entrant. We deliberately did that; to give customers verities to choose from.
They might same operating system, but different in terms of pricing, resolutions, screen size, etc. Archos pedigree created attention and the verities created exceptions.
As the Company to produce the first android tablet and have partnership with Google, will tell you that we have the intention to replicate that in this market too.

Unique Selling Proportion
Some people are already comparing the devices with others in the market and are beginning to see the differences.
For instance, certain brands would promise our entertainment freak youths the opportunity to download music; video and play on the go, but looking at the capacity of the device you will tell the experiences have not been as promised.
In Archos, the unique selling point in the area of entertainment is that you can squeeze or zip-up contents, creating room for more and enjoy them at your convenient.
Talking about our slogan ‘Entertainment You Way’ is basically that part of human life today is ‘tied’ to devices.
I can’t imagine myself doing away with my phone or laptop or tablet. What we have done is to make the gadget to be part of us; we have the best of them in terms of video, music, and getting additional accessories.

Archos Connected Objects and Accessories
Apart from the smartphones, tablets, we have connected objects that give users different experiences.
For instance the virtual reality glasses can be used to watch 3HD videos; which is first of its kind. The headsets come in various SkYous.
We have one for the bourgeois; serving like a head-warmer. With it, you can receive your calls, play music. It has multi-functional dimension. They are still part of the things that set us apart in the market.

Why Introducing Six smartphones In Same Market, Same Day?
Yes, the smartphones are predominately using Android operating system. In other words, there are basic features that every Andorid phone must have, like emails, social media-Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WasApp, BBM, among others.
If anyone is launching an Android phone and tells you these are unique features, it is not the brand rather the operating system. Why we introduced such number of phones, for emphasis, was aimed at creating opportunity for every class of people in the society to have the purchasing power.
All of them have the social media features, however, what differentiates them are the specs such as screen size, memory size, ROM, etc. we are giving everybody opportunity to have a feel of Archos.

Distribution Strategies
From the onset, we have been to the right phone retails hotspots like Slot, Micro Stations, and other the biggest distributor in the market, called ‘Let Me Distribute’ and they are growing.
Slot, for instance has over 100 locations across the country, but there are still volatile areas that need to be monitored before pushing to those areas.
We expect that with the new government, things will get settled and businesses will thrive in those areas too.
And as the country manager, I have the vision of making Archos products the choice and preferred brand of smart devices for all classes in Nigeria within a record time. What do I mean by this? Archos plans flooding Nigeria with quality and affordable products.
And Archos intends to create a close up and personal relationship with Nigeria and Nigerians, so whatever will impact positively and move Nigeria forward, we are ready to do anything to make that work. Not for myself but also for the future of the new generation.
Archos is poise to garner between 30%- 40% Market share of the Nigeria smart devices market (Smartphones, tablets and accessories). In Nigeria today, 80% of the network users uses feature phones (purely low end phones without data capabilities). In numbers, this means we have approximately 80 million phone users using feature phones. These feature phone users can gradually step up to use Smartphones.
This shows that there is a lot of opportunity to tap into the market. With the affordable Smartphones from Archos, quality will never be compromised and also customer services will also be key to us.
How do we achieve this herculean task, we intend to provide affordable Smartphones and tablets for Nigerian with world class quality. Secondly back up all our sales with warranty and after sales service.
We are willing to invest heavily into the economy so we are not ready to quite in a hurry. So our spread will be strategic and steady.

Partnerships
In the era of bring Your Own Device (BYOD), it makes sense to partner organizations, especially in the area of smartphone adoption. What we are doing presently is bundle educational contents in some of our tablets, exclusively for schools.
It is in interesting at this time most schools are phasing out ‘hard’ libraries and focus on digital or e-libraries. So, as the world is evolving we are following the trends too. It is a work in progress; hopefully, the schools will start using Archos devices in no distant time.

ARCHOS Products and NCC Type Approved, SON Certification
Yes. All Archos devices have gone through both certifications. I will like to state categorically that Archos is not just a green horn in the telephone industry.
Archos has been existing, since 1988 with so many milestones for instance Archos is the first brand to launch the first Android tablet in the world.
Over time, we have strategically made an in route into so many Countries like France, Poland, Senegal, Russia, United States of America, Spain, England etc. Archos is one of the leading EU brands. So whatever we do, we adhere strictly to the ethics of the sector and Nigeria is no exception.
We respect the rules guiding every market where we operate. So, our products: smart phones – Archos 40C Titanium, Archos 50B Archos Platinum, Archos 50b Oxygen, Archos 50b Neon (All Smartphones) and for tablets, we have Archos 101b XS2 tablets(WIFI only), Archos 101 Xenon, Archos 80b Xenon; these are type approved.

After Sales Support
We understand the important of after sells services. That is why we are partnering Cellular Service Logistics (CSL), to ensure our phone; tablets users get the best services. We have categories of services too.
The first is based on cases of warranty; if it happens to be manufacturer’s default, we do outright replacement instantly. Other aspect entails minor damages or slipping in water, they (CSL) have the pact.
They have been in the business for donkey years. Their spreads covers major areas in the country and can be easily reached.

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FG Offers Nine-month Amnesty for Illegal Dollar Holdings

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4 days ago

November 1, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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Federal Government on Thursday announced a nine-month programme beginning on October 31 that allows individuals to deposit dollar bills held outside the formal banking system without scrutiny.

Wale Edun

It said the new initiative aims to address the rising costs of commodities influenced by the foreign exchange rate, driven by demand and supply dynamics.

Wale Edun, finance minister and coordinating minister of the Economy, revealed this after the 144th meeting of the National Economic Council, the country’s highest economic advisory body, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja.

“There will be no penalty; there will be no taxes, and there will be no questions,” he told journalists at a briefing after Thursday’s conclave.

Edun said that, under this programme, individuals can bring in U.S. dollars in cash without facing penalties, taxes, or scrutiny, provided that the funds are not linked to criminal or illicit activities.

Participants will only need to meet the standard Know-Your-Customer requirements set by banks to secure these funds, integrate them into the financial system, and make them accessible for legitimate economic activities.

He explained, “One element of the cost increase is the foreign exchange rate, which is demand and supply. There will be a programme starting today, October 31, and lasting nine months that will allow people to bring in cash outside the banking system.

“[Such cash] is unsafe, insecure and outside legal limits. They will be allowed forbearance to bring dollars cash. Let me emphasise once again: it is to bring dollars that they are holding outside the system to get them in and credit it to their bank accounts, as long as it is not proceeds of crime or illicit money.

“They should just meet the standard Know-Your-Customer criteria of banks and have an opportunity to bring in those funds, making them safe, secure, and available through regular economic activity.

Edun said his ministry will first issue guidelines for the programme, followed promptly by additional guidelines from the Central Bank.

According to the Minister, this measure offers law-abiding individuals a way to formalise their cash holdings. It also provides the financial system with additional dollar reserves, which may help to stabilise the exchange rate.

“This is an opportunity, not just for people who would normally like to comply, to be compliant with the laws and normal business practice, but of course, it allows us to bring those dollars from where they are doing nothing to where they are within the financial system, they add to our reserves, and of course can help with the exchange rate,” he added.

Edun equally gave an update on government economic relief measures, saying 25 million Nigerians have benefitted from federal social protection initiatives, including digital outreach, microenterprise loans, and sector-specific support for power, agriculture, manufacturing, health, and compressed natural gas initiatives.

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Wema Bank Launches Export Trade Academy to Empower Nigerian SMEs

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5 days ago

October 31, 2024

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Wema Bank has announced the launch of the Wema Export Trade Academy, a comprehensive training programme designed to equip Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the essential skills and tools needed to succeed in the competitive landscape of global trade.

Moruf Oseni, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, this initiative represents Wema Bank’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of Nigerian businesses, supporting their ambitions to thrive on an international scale.

Oseni said the Wema Export Trade Academy is designed as a solution to these challenges faced by Nigerian SMEs when entering international markets.

The Academy is specifically structured to address each critical aspect of global trade, providing SMEs with targeted guidance on compliance, documentation, financial planning, and risk management.

Through the Wema Export Trade Academy, SMEs will benefit from expert-led sessions, mentorship from industry professionals, and practical insights into international business practices, positioning them to make significant contributions within global markets.

The programme also places emphasis on building a network of Nigerian exporters, encouraging peer support and collaboration, while fostering connections between businesses and international trade facilitators.

Oseni said: “This holistic approach to export training will enhance efficiency and productivity, empowering Nigerian businesses to become competitive players in the global economy.

“The Wema Export Trade Academy reinforces Wema Bank’s dedication to building the capacity of Nigerian businesses and supporting their evolution into formidable global competitors.

“By addressing the barriers in export trade, we are enabling Nigerian SMEs to seize new opportunities in international markets, which aligns with our vision to empower lives and support sustainable business growth.

“The Wema Export Trade Academy embodies Wema Bank’s pioneering spirit and commitment to providing SMEs with practical, impactful solutions.

“With comprehensive training on export processes and access to strategic financial products, the program stands as a testament to Wema Bank’s role as an enabler of growth for Nigerian enterprises.

“Wema Bank continues to set the standard for innovation within Nigeria’s financial services industry, supporting individuals and businesses across various sectors to achieve sustainable growth.

“The Wema Export Trade Academy represents the latest stride in Wema Bank’s mission to empower Nigerian SMEs, further strengthening its reputation.”

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MTN Foundation to Celebrate 20 Years of Impact with Anniversary Conference and Dinner

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5 days ago

October 31, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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MTN Foundation is set to celebrate a milestone—its 20th Anniversary—with a series of events designed to reflect on its contributions to communities across Nigeria.

The anniversary conference will take place on November 6, 2024, in Abuja, while the celebratory dinner is scheduled for November 14, 2024, in Lagos.

These events will bring together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.

Since its inception in 2004, the Foundation has been at the forefront of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. It was one of the first corporate entities in the country to establish a dedicated foundation for managing CSR activities.

The Foundation was officially commissioned in May 2005, with MTN Nigeria Communications PLC pledging to allocate up to 1% of its Profit After Tax (PAT) for funding various projects aimed at improving lives across the nation.

Over the past two decades, the Foundation has invested over NGN 24.73 billion into impactful projects that span all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). With more than 1,023 project sites across Nigeria, the Foundation has successfully executed 50 unique projects, reaching over 31 million people.

These initiatives have addressed critical areas such as education, health, youth empowerment, and arts and culture, making a significant difference in the lives of countless Nigerians.

As part of this celebration, the Foundation will unveil its new logo along with refreshed mission and vision statements.

This rebranding effort symbolizes a renewed commitment to its core values and goals as it looks toward the future.

Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming celebrations and reflected on the journey thus far.

“This anniversary is both a celebration of our impact in Nigeria and a commitment to do more,” Sanya stated.

“We have always believed in the power of collaboration and community engagement to drive meaningful change.

“As we gather to reflect on our journey, we look forward to engaging with our partners and stakeholders to explore new avenues for sustainable development.”

The upcoming anniversary events aim to foster dialogue among leaders from various sectors, encouraging collaboration that can lead to innovative solutions for pressing societal challenges.

The conference will feature keynote speakers and panel discussions around national development and youth empowerment, as well as interactive sessions designed to inspire participants and share best practices in CSR and community development.

In addition to its focus areas, the Foundation has been instrumental in promoting digital literacy among Nigerian youth through various educational programs. By leveraging technology as a tool for empowerment, the Foundation has equipped thousands of young people with skills necessary for success in an increasingly digital world.

The anniversary conference and dinner are expected to be engaging experiences that will not only celebrate two decades of impact but also set the stage for future initiatives aimed at fostering community growth and resilience.

By bringing together diverse stakeholders, MTN Foundation hopes to ignite conversations that lead to actionable strategies for addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.

The upcoming anniversary events promise to be an inspiring celebration of progress made while looking forward to new horizons in community development.

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