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Country Now Assembling Computers
Maputo, Jul 03, 2009 (Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) --
Mozambican computers are now rolling off an assembly line in Maputo, under a deal between the Mozambican government and the South African company Sahara Computers.
The factory began operating about three weeks ago, and is currently producing between 50 and 70 computers a day. They come in three sizes - desktop, laptop and mini-computers.
The computers have been baptized "Dzowo" - this was the clan name of the founder and first president of the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), Eduardo Mondlane.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, the production manager of the factory, Gustavo Chauque, said that the installed capacity would allow the plant to assemble 150 computers a day.
The parts are all from reputable companies, and so "Dzowo" could deal a body blow to those companies who have been selling imported computers at grossly inflated prices. "The advantage of these computers is that they are high quality, and they are cheaper than other models available on the market", said Chauque.
The price for sale to the public is between 15,000 and 17,000 meticais (560 to 640 US dollars). The cheapest imported laptop that AIM has seen in any Mozambican electronics shop costs about 20,000 meticais. The company is offering computers at even lower prices to students and institutions of higher education.
"The price is low, because we have to pay fewer customs duties", said Chauque. "The taxes on importing parts are lower than for importing complete computers".
Although the dominant partner in the venture is Sahara Computers, all 15 staff working at the factory are Mozambicans.
On Friday the company management presented the Dzowo machines to Science and Technology Minister Venancio Massingue, and to representatives of Mozambican universities and private companies.
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