Android One arrives in Africa with the $90 Infinix Hot 2

Google is bringing its Android One programme to Africa, finally. Jumia, one of Africa’s biggest ecommerce players, has announced that it will be retailing a phone molded under the guise of Google’s Android One scheme to African markets this year. The device in question is the Infinix Hot 2.

“Google’s Android One is testament to Google’s customer centric efforts. Android One smartphones are poised to be customer favorite and I foresee a great demand for them. Jumia is thrilled to be in the forefront of this revolution,” noted Fatoumata Ba, MD of Jumia Nigeria.

Android One was announced alongside Android Lollipop late last year, and was a ploy crafted by Google to bring a standard of affordable, easily tweakable phones to manufacturers for lower-end markets. The Infinix Hot 2 is a great example of this.

It features 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, and a 8MP/2MP rear and front camera combination. The device also boasts dual SIM support, which is perfect for Africa’s vociferous mobile markets.

“Google is pleased to collaborate with Jumia on Android One — a program designed to help bring high-quality, affordable Android devices to everyone. Together we will work to empower the next billion people,” remarked Caesar Sengupta, VP of product management at Google.

The device will roll out over the next few weeks to markets including Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria. Prices will vary between US$87 and US$100 based on markets and phone specifications.