Congo designed tablet firm VMK launches store in Ivory Coast

 Vérone Mankou, the Congolese entrepreneur behind the first tablet designed in Africa has launched its first VMK store in Abidjan Ivory Coast yesterday.

The shop is located in the Treichville commune at Zone 3 C, Immeuble Rive Gauche and will exclusively sell products from the VMK range. This is the firm’s first store out of the Congo.VMK plans to expand its store locations to five countries in the region by the end of the year. A second store is scheduled to open in the Ivory Coast economic capital, then the firm will open 3 other stores in Kinshasa, Douala and Dakar before the end of 2015.

“My underlying ambition is to bridge the digital gap in Africa. These VMK stores are being set up to make new technologies accessible to as many people as possible,” explains Vérone Mankou. “We will offer a top-of-the-range selection of products, aimed at the general public.”

Apart from the tablet, VMK also has two smartphone models available from FCFA 11,900 and FCFA 19,900 (EUR 18 and EUR 30 respectively) has recently been enhanced by the addition of a premium model, the Elikia L. This outstanding handset, offered at FCFA 64,900 (EUR 99), comes equipped with a larger screen than its predecessor.

VMK is also set to launch its second tablet in March for less than FCFA 140,000 (EUR 210).

“The opening of a store in Abidjan is an essential step in the extension of our Pan-African vision. It is here, at the crossroads of West Africa, that VMK has decided to embark upon conquering the new class of African consumers,” adds Vérone Mankou.

Produced in China VMK aims to have the devices assembled in the Republic of Congo in a factory set to be built in the Mpila neighbourhood of Brazzaville. VMK plans to produce 350,000 units per month.