The launch of Tecno Mobile's flagship store in Lagos, Nigeria, 2019. Credit: Tecno Mobile
Chinese phone manufacturer Transsion has become a major player in the global mobile phone market all without selling a single product in China. The affordability and specialization of Transsion products for consumers in the Global South, particularly in Africa, have helped propel the Shenzhen-based company to international stardom.
The company first entered the global market in 2008 selling basic phones in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy. Since then, Transsion has entered 70 different countries and ranks third globally in mobile phone market share.
This week, The Wire explores Transsion’s monumental growth, unique marketing strategies, and future growth potential.
AFRICAN SUCCESS
Data: Transsion Annual Reports, IDC
Since Transsion’s entrance into the African market, it has enjoyed exponential growth in both revenue and market share. Transsion controlled 47 percent of the smartphone market in Africa in 2021 with its next biggest competitor, Samsung
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