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Molline Gagare Business Reporter
ASTROMOBILE, a Zimbabwean firm that manufactures mobile phone handsets and flat screen television sets, has opened shop in Zambia. Riding on increased sales at home, the firm is targeting recruiting up to 1,000 workers while plans are underway to expand the business across Africa. The company has branches in Bulawayo, Harare, Mutare, Beitbridge, and Gweru where it sells cell phone handsets and ipads from as little as $20 to $800.

Astro Mobile regional manager in charge of Bulawayo Kevin Musekiwa said the company has grown in leaps and bounds in the last two years.

He attributed the growth to the company’s payment plan and quality of products, which he said were at par with international standards.

“We offer our clients flexible payment plans. There is a 24-months civil servants payment plan while corporate companies have 12 months payment plans. There are also lay byes and cash discounts.

“Our products meet international standards hence we’ve already managed to establish branches in Zambia. The next target is Botswana, Tanzania and Kenya,” said Musekiwa.

He said in the next three months Astro Mobile would open a new plant to manufacture cell phones and television sets, which would create about 1,000 jobs in the process.

“We’re going to take Africa by storm. Two years ago the company started off with only four employees. To date there are over 500 people employed by Astro Mobile throughout the country. With the new manufacturing plant that’s going to be opened, at least 1,000 people will be employed,” said Musekiwa.

He said the biggest advantage for Astro Mobile over other established brands such as Samsung and Huawei was the availability of parts should one’s gadget need repair and the use of relevant phone applications.

“Astro Mobile gadgets are durable and most suitable for Zimbabwean and African conditions. For example, should your screen break, you’re guaranteed of replacing it locally without having to import.

“There are also technicians in all our outlets who will fix your phones should there be any problems,” said Musekiwa.

“Another advantage is that the functions come in English, Shona and Ndebele. There are also Zimbabwean maps. All the other functions available are just the same as those by Samsung or Nokia.”