UK engineering company, Raspberry Pi, unveils a plan to focus on African markets to increase hardware technology

UK-based engineering company, Raspberry Pi, has unveiled its plan to focus on African countries, including Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya. This focus will involve Raspberry Pi getting businesses in different sectors to use its affordable single-board computers for their hardware needs.

At a product showcasing event in Lagos, the company”s Chief Commercial Officer, Mike Buffham, mentioned that the affordability of Raspberry Pi’s products makes it perfect for the African market.

For instance, the Raspberry Pi 4 costs as little as $45 and has a range of applications from robotics to general computing.

Founded in 2022, Raspberry Pi creates small, affordable computers designed to help people learn programming, build tech projects, and develop innovative solutions.

Originally created for education, it is now widely used in industries like healthcare, agriculture, and education. Despite its compact size, it can perform many of the same tasks as a regular computer, such as browsing the Internet, running software, and controlling smart devices.

Its low cost and versatility make it popular among students, hobbyists, and businesses looking for powerful yet budget-friendly computing solutions.

Raspberry Pi’s strategic focus on Nigeria and broader African markets is poised to catalyse the growth of hardware-focused companies across the continent, introducing affordable, high-quality computing solutions.

The company aims to address critical needs in sectors such as education and healthcare, thereby fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

At the showcasing event, Ken Okolo, Raspberry Pi’s Sales Manager for Africa, highlighted the versatility of their devices in various industries, including medical and agricultural technology.

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He emphasised the pressing need for accessible computing in educational settings, noting that many public school students lack exposure to computers until the later stages of their education. By equipping schools with low-cost devices, Raspberry Pi seeks to enhance learning experiences and digital literacy among young Nigerians.

Okolo pointed out that numerous hospitals still rely on paper-based systems, and the adoption of Raspberry Pi devices could facilitate a much-needed digital transformation, improving patient record management and overall efficiency.

Buffham also reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering high-performance, low-cost computing solutions. He noted that while education remains a vital focus, a significant portion of the company’s business now serves industrial clients.

Buffham highlighted Raspberry Pi’s flexibility, which enables customers to develop customised solutions across various sectors like industrial automation, smart home technologies, and agriculture.

By making affordable computing accessible, Raspberry Pi could spur a wave of hardware-focused enterprises in Nigeria and across Africa. From companies like Kifta Technologies to enthusiasts like Lesley John Jumbo, hardware is still very nascent in Nigeria.

Entrepreneurs can leverage these versatile devices to create innovative solutions tailored to local challenges, leading to job creation and economic growth.

This approach not only addresses immediate technological needs but also empowers Africans to become creators and leaders in the global hardware industry.