China Tech Firm to Establish $30M Laptop and Tablet Assembly Plant in Uganda

Benton Technologies Company, a leading manufacturer of electronic devices, has announced a $30 million investment in a state-of-the-art assembly and production plant. This venture aims to produce one million laptops and tablets tailored for primary and secondary schools across Uganda.

The decision comes after high-level discussions between Benton Technologies officials, led by Mr. Li Kaifu and Mr. Victor Zhang, and the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) delegation, chaired by Odrek Rwabwogo. The delegation, comprising government and private sector representatives, visited Benton's cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China, to solidify the partnership.

Mr. Li Kaifu emphasized Benton Technologies' commitment to quality education, stating, "It is a great opportunity to partner with Uganda and fulfill the vision of President Yoweri Museveni to add value to your mineral products by assembling some of our products in Uganda." He highlighted Uganda's favorable incentives and expressed optimism about meeting production targets.

President Museveni's vision for a thriving computing industry received a significant boost with Benton Technologies' pledge to support local manufacturing. The company, renowned for supplying major US retailers and telecommunications providers, aims to address Uganda's reliance on imported PCs and tablets, which costs the country over $160 million annually.

Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairman of PACEID, underscored the need for a comprehensive value proposition, urging Benton Technologies to incorporate energy solutions and internet accessibility to facilitate learning in remote areas. He stressed the importance of a robust distribution network to ensure timely delivery and maintenance of devices for an enhanced educational experience.

The collaboration marks a significant step towards Uganda's goal of achieving $100 billion worth of exports by 2062, showcasing the country's potential to emerge as a regional tech hub. As PACEID continues its efforts to attract investments and promote Ugandan products in international markets, the partnership with Benton Technologies heralds a new era of innovation and economic growth for the nation.