August 14, 2006
 

Toshiba Partners With Al-Futtaim to Sell Its PCs in Region

By Philip Ngunjiri, Special Correspondent
AllAfrica News, Nairobi

Global electronics giant Toshiba has appointed Al-Futtaim Technologies to distribute its notebook PC range in East Africa.

Already, Al-Futtaim has set up offices in the three East African countries. In Kenya and Uganda, the firm will operate under the name Aftech while in Tanzania, it will trade under the name Tamasco. The company's regional headquarters will be in Nairobi

According to Toshiba regional sales and marketing manager Leon Gifford, the partnership aims to focus on East Africa as an emerging market. It is a market that is growing rapidly and cannot be ignored, he said in a statement.

"From a technological standpoint, Kenya is well established and is fast adopting new technologies as well as creating an infrastructure that supports these technologies," he said. "For Toshiba, East Africa is an emerging market with a huge potential, and this is why we are investing heavily in the region."

While Al-Futtaim will be working with various local resellers, the company will handle all marketing and service operations in collaboration with Toshiba Gulf.

Mr Gifford said Toshiba had been looking for a partner to cover the East African market and provide complete solutions to customers in each of the countries.

"Based on our existing association with Al-Futtaim Technologies and their position as one of the fastest-growing technology solution providers, they were an obvious choice for us," he said.

"We are committed to providing the best quality pre- and after-sales service to Toshiba's customers in the East African market. We are looking forward to building on our existing relationship with Toshiba and are confident that our extensive experience will enable Toshiba to successfully reach customers in these countries," said Ramesh Belani, sales and marketing manager of Al-Futtaim Technologies.

Toshiba specialises in advanced electronic products for home, office, industry and healthcare environments. It markets and manufactures information and communication systems, electronic components, heavy electrical apparatus, consumer products and medical diagnostic imaging equipment.

Al- Futtaim is a member of the Al-Futtaim Group's electronics division, which is based in the United Arab Emirates. It operates over 40 companies, dominating many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded into Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.