Chinese mobile phone maker Transsion wins African hearts

SHENZHEN - Multiple SIM slots, weeks of battery standby time, front camera exposure calibrated to suit darker skin tones ... a Chinese mobile phone maker has become popular in Africa by making products tailored for the local market. Since entering Africa 10 years ago, Chinese phone maker Transsion, based in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, has acquired 38 percent of the African market, according to company co-founder Arif Chowdhury.

"A full understanding of the local market is the key to success," Chowdhury said. "Together with our technicians, I have been to Africa over 100 times to get to know the specific needs of local people."

Dual SIM phones, a focus of the company, have gained a solid footing in Africa, since people often use several mobile phones or SIM cards due to inadequate telecom network infrastructure, according to Chowdhury who is from Bangladesh.