At the Growing Together 2008 conference held today in Johannesburg, Nokia revealed new products that accelerate the company’s leadership in emerging markets. Also introduced today was a local mobile email solution exclusively for people in South Africa. Highlighted by the Nokia 5000, which offers a 1.3 megapixel camera and a large QVGA display – Nokia’s first megapixel cameraphone at this price point – as well as music and email capabilities, each new product brings a balance of features, design and affordability to meet every lifestyle and budget. The new mobile devices are expected to begin shipping by the third quarter, with an expected price range from EUR 50 to EUR 90, before applicable taxes or subsidies.
With the industry’s largest portfolio of mobile phones and support for more than 80 languages, more than one billion people worldwide currently use a Nokia device. In recent years, the majority of first-time buyers have come from the emerging markets. However, a significant shift is underway – while the first-time buyer market continues to grow, the number of replacement buyers- consumers seeking to replace their current mobile phone with a newer, more advanced model – has also grown substantially in emerging markets. In 2008, Nokia anticipates that for the first time, the number of replacement purchases in emerging markets will exceed those of first-time buyers.
“People in emerging markets like Africa are increasingly demanding more from their mobile phone – their expectations and demands in terms of functionality and design are similar to people in any other part of the world – they simply have less income at their disposal,” says Alex Lambeek, Vice President, Entry, who oversees Nokia’s efforts in emerging markets. “From the introduction of Nokia’s most affordable megapixel cameraphone, to a localized email solution in South Africa, we believe today’s announcements demonstrate Nokia’s firm commitment to bringing products and services that serve the varied needs and tastes of people in emerging markets.”
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