Africa introduces its first ever locally manufactured Windows tablet

As the technology market in African continues to thrive, it makes sense to have devices that are tailored to local markets. Mayokun Onawola, a developer from Nigerian based technology firm, Brian Integrated Systems Limited, is part of a dynamic, entrepreneurial team that has assembled the first ever African tablet, the Brian Tab iw10, in Nigeria.

Mayokun spent a few minutes sharing more detail on this new device.

 Why did you decide to create a tablet specifically for Africans and how have you tailored it to the African market?

Our core objective was to design a tablet PC, tailor-made for the African market, but also to provide an attractive alternative to popular global brands at an affordable price point.  Fundamentally, the tablet’s purpose is to help bridge the information technology gap that Nigeria and Africa at large has with the rest of the world.

What are the advantages of making the tablet Microsoft compatible?

Firstly, Microsoft technology is widely understood and used and secondly, Microsoft’s software is highly compatible with the tablet device. The device’s design provides the user with an improved Microsoft experience. Users are able to customise their Office 365 packages to suit their needs for the tablet. Because the new Office 365 allows users to choose and pay only for the programs they need, they can tailor it to their lifestyle, offering flexibility. The 10.4-inch tablet is supported with Windows 8.1 with WiFi capabilities, Bluetooth, 2GB RAM and 32GB internal memory.

How much does the tablet retail for and how does this compare to other tablets?

The tablet costs N65,000 which is significantly lower than the average cost for a tablet on the market. As the tablet is produced locally, the product importing levy and overall retail costs are reduced, which is beneficial to African consumers.

Where can users find the tablet?

The tablet is only available in Nigeria at the moment, but we are looking to launch in South Africa, Ghana and other African markets in the near future. We are working with engineers to design the tablet’s applications and content, which will be tailored for different African regions. 

How has the Nigerian audience received the tablet?

The response has been positive and very supportive. A lot of people feel proud to own a tablet manufactured in Africa and in turn are supporting the growth of Africa’s tablet market.

 In your opinion, how will the production of this tablet affect the African sales market?

This is a device that matches the standards of basically every device of its kind and at a competitive price and therefore, the African sales market will be positively affected. Consumer have in their hands a high-quality Microsoft device at a good price, which can only boost sales.