Google has announced to launch the affordable ICE 2, an android-supported mobile smartphone, for Nigeria in September 2017, at the price of US$40
Sundar Pitchai, CEO of Google, confirmed the launch of the low-cost smartphone in the Nigeria market. According to him, the device will come with security feature, Google Play Protect, aiming to keep the data safe for the users.
Google explained that the launch of the smartphone is expected to support the country’s objective to empower the citizens through the use of internet. “We don't want to create the internet for Africans, but rather enable them to create the internet they want through the access, platforms and products we create,” said Cesar Segunutpane, vice-president of product management of Google.
“Android is the largest tech ecosystem in the world today. In nine years, it grew from one phone to two billion smartphones across the world. We have continued to work with partners and OEMs to develop devices for Africans, especially Nigerians,” he added.
Segunutpane also remarked that the company is committed to help local entrepreneurs in the country. He further added that Google is planning to launch apps to enable FinTech uptake in Nigeria.
Google has recently announced that it is aiming to create 10mn jobs in Africa in the next five years by training 100,000 software developers in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. According to Google, many Africans have already been trained to achieve the targeted number of job creation in the continent.
Google has also announced to US$3mn to mentor developers and African start-up founders for this skill training programme.
“We strongly believe faster broadband will Improves Africans Lives and Innovation,” concluded Segunutpane.
