Chinese smartphone brand TECNO enters South Sudan with flagship store

JUBA — Chinese smartphone maker TECNO has opened its first flagship retail store in South Sudan, marking a rare private-sector investment in a country where weak digital public infrastructure continues to constrain technology-driven growth.

The launch reflects rising demand for smartphones as essential tools for communication, mobile money and digital services, even as South Sudan struggles with unreliable internet connectivity, power shortages and limited digital payment systems.

Henry Khamis, TECNO’s brand manager in South Sudan, said the opening of the exclusive store signals the company’s long-term commitment to the local market and to improving consumer access to quality digital devices.

“Today, we are very excited to launch one of the best shops in the Republic of South Sudan, the TECNO Exclusive Shop. This launch is very important to us because we want to show our customers that TECNO stands for quality and a premium experience.”

Khamis said the store is part of a broader strategy to modernize smartphone retail and position South Sudan within the East African technology market, where digital infrastructure is comparatively more advanced.

“We want to change the look of the market and demonstrate how South Sudan can compete with other markets in East Africa. This exclusive shop reflects our commitment to premium design, high-quality products, and excellent customer experience,” he added.

The store includes an experience zone allowing customers to test smartphones and accessories, an approach companies increasingly use in markets with low digital literacy to build trust in new technologies.

TECNO is displaying a range of devices and accessories, including smartphones, smart earphones, smartwatches, power banks and data cables, as manufacturers seek to deepen device ecosystems that support everyday digital use.

Among the featured products are the TECNO Smartwatch Pro 2 and TECNO Smartwatch 3, both waterproof and designed for daily use, targeting consumers seeking affordable wearable technology.

TECNO promoter Pascalina Kiden Ismail said customers are drawn to devices that combine design, durability and features suited to local digital needs.

“I promote TECNO because it offers high-quality smartphones with attractive designs and advanced features that customers really appreciate,” she said.

She highlighted the Camon 40 Pro and Spark 40 Pro Plus as popular models, saying they meet demand for photography, media consumption and home connectivity in a market where smartphones often substitute for computers.

“The Camon 40 Pro is unique because it is waterproof and has a very high-quality camera. Even when you zoom in, the pictures remain clear. Customers also like that they can connect the phone to their TV at home, which makes it very convenient,” she added.

Telecom operator MTN said the store strengthens partnerships between device makers and network providers, a key pillar of South Sudan’s fragile digital public infrastructure.

Baiti Haidar, an MTN representative, said the collaboration would support wider access to connectivity and digital services beyond the capital, Juba.

“This is a strong and valuable partnership that we share with TECNO. The opening of this shop will further strengthen our collaboration not only in Juba but across South Sudan. We are very grateful for this initiative and remain fully committed to supporting TECNO as it continues to grow its business.”

TECNO is a global smartphone and consumer electronics brand owned by Transsion Holdings, a Chinese technology group headquartered in Shenzhen.

Founded in 2006, TECNO focuses on emerging markets across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Latin America, offering smartphones, smart devices and accessories designed for affordability, durability and local user needs.