Locally-assembled laptop hits market

Source: Locally-assembled laptop hits market – herald

Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent

ZIMBABWE has recorded a major milestone in its technological advancement following the launch of the country’s first locally-manufactured laptop, the Avantis Parote 1030i, by indigenous firm Avantis Technologies in Harare.

The launch is expected to boost the Government’s drive towards industrialisation, digital transformation and local innovation under Vision 2030.

Officially launching the product on Thursday, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera said the achievement demonstrated that Zimbabweans were capable of building, innovating, assembling and manufacturing globally competitive technology products.

“It is not merely the launch of a gadget. It is a demonstration of confidence in Zimbabwe,” said Minister Mavetera.

“It is a declaration that Zimbabweans are capable of building, innovating, assembling, manufacturing and competing on the global stage.”

She said the initiative was aligned with the National ICT Policy, the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan, the National Development Strategy 2, and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

Minister Mavetera said local assembly and manufacturing of ICT products will enhance digital inclusion, create jobs and strengthen the country’s industrial base.

“We cannot industrialise effectively without technology. And we certainly cannot participate meaningfully in the Fourth Industrial Revolution while remaining mere consumers of imported technologies,” she said.

The minister said Government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for ICT investment and innovation through improving the ease of doing business, expanding digital infrastructure and supporting industrial growth.

She also urged local manufacturers to prioritise quality and competitiveness.

“Patriotism alone cannot sustain a technology brand. Quality must always remain paramount,” Minister Mavetera said.

“It would be unfair to expect Zimbabweans to purchase inferior products merely in the name of supporting local industry.”

Minister Mavetera commended the partnership between Avantis Technologies and ZITCO, an associate company of TelOne, and said that collaboration among local industry players was key to advancing national development objectives.

Secretary for the E-Government Technology Unit in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Tafara Matekaire, described the development as evidence of determination and innovation by young Zimbabwean entrepreneurs.

“You innovate when you look at the outliers rather than the confines of the normal,” he said.

Avantis Technologies founder Mr Ari Goldstein said the company, established in 2016, specialised in manufacturing laptops, tablets, desktops and television sets.

“Today is more than just the launch of a product. Today is the launch of belief,” he said.

“A belief that Zimbabwe can build. A belief that Africa can innovate.”

Mr Goldstein said the Avantis Parote 1030i laptop was designed and assembled locally to meet international standards and would target regional markets including South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya and Rwanda.

He said the company also planned to establish data centres to strengthen Africa’s data sovereignty and develop artificial intelligence models based on African languages and realities.

Avantis board member Mr Cacius Gambinga said the launch marked a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s technological and industrial development.

“This laptop represents opportunities for students, engineers, software developers, technicians and entrepreneurs,” he said.

The company also announced plans to list on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange as part of its long-term expansion strategy.