Mara Phone Rwanda set to open manufacturing facility in Rwanda, awards World Lion Day contest winner

Christian Twahirwa, a graphic designer has walked away with Mara Z Smart Phone after winning Mara Phone Rwanda’s competition dubbed ‘World Lion Day’ contest.

Mara Phone is the first company expected to manufacture smartphones in Africa particularly in Rwanda within a few weeks.

Mara Phones high-quality smartphones manufacturing facility is set to be operational in Kigali Special Economic Zone in Masoro- Gasabo District.

Mara Phones is part of Mara Corporation, a dynamic, technology-centric, proud African brand with operations in banking, real estate, infrastructure and technology.

In line with initiatives to promote the brand to be launched in Rwanda, Mara Phones Rwanda organized ‘World Lion Day’ contest that ran between 10^th and 31^st August 2019.

During the competition, participants had to create a video describing features of the Mara Phone’s samples spanning between 10 to 30 seconds with criteria to share the video with Mara Phones using #worldlionday #maraphones #wishtowin, Follow Mara Phones on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter page and Subscribe to its YouTube channel to stand a chance of winning Mara Z smartphone.

Twahirwa was announced winner on 5^th September 2019 and received the prize on 10^th September 2019 at Mara Experience Store located at the ground floor of Kigali Business Center (KBC) building.

The winner of Mara Phone Rwanda’s competition visited the store to get features of the device which inspired him to create a video to be shared with the rest of the world.

Twahirwa expressed delight for emerging winner of Mara Phone contest and being among first users of the high quality brand.

“I made short video describing features of Mara Z smartphone with information obtained from Mara Phone store. I described its higher resolution camera, User Interface design, fast android version and finger print technology among others through the video. I posted on social media and was later announced the winner,” he said.

“The brand is a true reflection of Made in Rwanda and home grown solutions with high quality at affordable cost. It is an honor and privilege to be among first users of the high quality brand. The introduction of smart phones manufacturing company is a great milestone among Rwanda’s great achievements,” observed Twahirwa.

High quality smart phones

Mara smartphones have been designed to make an impact on African continent with high quality and affordable smartphones.

Mara Phone’s mission is to develop affordable high quality smart mobile products equipped with the latest technology.  The company will start with local manufacture of two brands namely; Mara X and Mara Z with a long-lasting battery, ample storage space and a 2 year Android update through a strong partnership with Google and its Android One Program.

Mara phones have a gorilla glass with less breakable risks. Indeed, when it falls and cracks, the crack doesn’t spread.

The phones have a standard fingerprint reader, which is important for mobile money and for biometric authentication.

One of the models, Mara Z, has facial recognition and also has unlimited free photo and video storage.

Both Mara Z and Mara X have duo Sim Card spaces.

With its headquarters and first factory in Rwanda, the manufacturing process alone will create more than 200 direct jobs and additional indirect jobs through service outsourcing and contribute to digital transformation on the continent with products and solutions, in digital health, digital education, agriculture efficiencies and financial inclusion sectors.