Stephen, Blewett, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, has called for the local assembling of mobile handsets to enable easy access and affordability.
Speaking at a media interaction, dubbed “Time with Stephen,” marking the first anniversary of his tenure as CEO, Blewett conceded that the importation of these handsets made them more expensive for users, stressing that local assembling is what Africa should consider in making handsets accessible and more affordable to bridge the access gap.
For local assembling to be possible, Blewett urged African governments to consider scrapping tariffs on knocked down components of smart phones.
While taking steps to create the enabling fiscal and regulatory environment for local assembling, the CEO urged the governments to reduce tariffs on imported smart phones
“I do think it’s safe for us to assemble, because most of the components themselves. are produced in China. So, you can bring in the components and assemble at low cost. I would be supportive of that, because I think that will then allow us to get smartphones at a better price,” Blewett stated.
The CEO also said developing homegrown digital solutions is essential for advancing Ghana’s technology landscape.
“We need to have as many local digital products as possible. Supporting local entrepreneurs and individuals with digital skills is a priority for me,” he stated.
By introducing local digital solutions to the market, we will create significant opportunities for both MTN Ghana and the country as a whole, added the CEO.