Nairobi, Kenya - As a further commitment of the company's growing dedication to the continent and Kenya, Nokia today opened its third office in the Southern and Eastern African Region. More African offices will follow throughout 2006 as Nokia continues to cement its presence in one of the most exciting mobile communications markets in the world. The office will serve to oversee and co-ordinate operations in the Eastern African region.
"This market provides a unique opportunity to any company wanting to establish itself in this increasingly competitive and dynamic continent," says Timo Toikkanen, Senior Vice President for Nokia's Customer and Market Operations in Middle East and Africa. "Globally, the company recognises the incredible growth potential in Africa, and having people on the ground is essential if we are to continue to localize our activities to meet the individual markets' needs,"
"An example of our initiative in localizing our product offerings and services is the recent introduction of Swahili as a language option on our phones along with picture SMS capabilities and Nokia Prepaid Tracker service solution. Mobile Communication touches people's everyday lives and through this technology people are able to communicate with family, friends and business associates, which in the past were not possible", continues Toikkanen.
Nokia's Vice President for Networks in the region, Henry Ferreira, commented, "Bridging the digital divide is part of Nokia's everyday business and Africa is a market where we can truly exemplify this ethos. We are continuing a major focus on new growth markets, with innovations in both mobile phones and network technologies, specifically developed for the continent."
This office will allow Nokia easier access to operators and a significant expansion of mobile voice across the region. "Nokia was the first vendor to focus on an extensive range of products and network solutions in rapidly expanding markets, and we remain committed to introducing affordable, attractive phones and innovative network solutions to meet the communication needs of African consumers," concludes Ferreira.
The office in Nairobi will support both the devices and networks businesses of Nokia, and will join Nokia's other offices across the continent in Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa.
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobile industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.
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