China’s Xiaomi Strengthens Presence in Africa, Eyes Emerging Industries

The 8th China-Africa Entrepreneurs Conference, held in Beijing, highlighted growing economic ties between China and Africa. Among the key participants was Lei Jun, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi Group, who announced the company’s ambitious plans for the African continent.

Xiaomi, a global leader in technology and consumer electronics, currently operates in 16 African countries, including South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, and Kenya. Lei Jun revealed that the company plans to significantly increase its investments in Africa, particularly in emerging industries such as new energy vehicles.

“We hope to strengthen cooperation with African companies across various sectors and bring innovative technology to the continent,” said Lei.

Having entered the African market in 2017, Xiaomi has played an active role in driving digital transformation. The company’s influence is evident in its second-quarter performance, where smartphone shipments grew by an impressive 45% year-on-year. With a 12% market share, Xiaomi is now the third-largest smartphone brand in Africa.

Beyond smartphones, Xiaomi’s diverse product range, including TVs, wearable devices, and robotic vacuum cleaners, has also gained traction across the continent. Lei Jun expressed gratitude to African users for their support, emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing high-quality products tailored to local needs.

In a related development, Pan Jun, General Manager of Mi TV, announced via social media that Xiaomi’s televisions manufactured in Egypt will soon be available across Africa. “It is the dream of Xiaomi to enable everyone in the world to enjoy the wonderful life brought by technology,” Pan stated.

According to a recent report by Canalys, Africa’s smartphone market grew by 6% in the second quarter of 2024, reaching 17.8 million units. Xiaomi’s strategic focus on countries like Nigeria and Egypt, coupled with its aggressive sales and local investment strategies, has contributed to this growth.

Xiaomi’s expanding footprint signals a positive trajectory for tech-driven development in Africa, fostering innovation and collaboration between China and the continent.