A new smartphone factory has begun operations in Oran, Algeria, through a partnership between STI and Chinese brand Vivo. The facility aims to ramp up production from 2,000 to 6,000 units daily, with significant job creation expected.
A new phase in Algeria's technology manufacturing sector has begun with the launch of a smartphone assembly plant in Oran. The facility, operated by Smart Technologic Innovation (STI) in partnership with Chinese smartphone manufacturer Vivo, is located in the Es-Senia industrial zone and was officially inaugurated by Oran's wali, Brahim Ouchène. The plant currently produces up to 2,000 smartphones per day, with plans to triple this output as additional production lines become operational.
Production Capacity and Employment Targets
The factory occupies a 7,000-square-metre site and is equipped with two active production lines. STI aims to gradually increase daily output to 6,000 smartphones as the facility scales up. The company currently employs around 200 workers, with projections to reach 600 direct jobs and over 1,200 indirect positions as the plant expands. This development is positioned to strengthen Oran's industrial base and contribute to Algeria's broader ambitions in technology manufacturing.
Local Integration and Strategic Partnerships
The STI-Vivo partnership is structured to enhance local integration over time. At present, approximately 20% of the smartphone components are sourced or processed locally, mainly in packaging and box printing, through agreements with Algerian suppliers. The partnership includes technical support from Vivo throughout the assembly process, with the goal of increasing the share of locally integrated components as production matures.
Skills Development and Research Initiatives
To support its growth, STI has signed agreements with vocational training authorities to provide workforce training, and with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to develop its research and development division. These initiatives are intended to ensure that the expansion of production is matched by the development of local skills and innovation capacity.
What to Watch Next
The next milestones for the project include the activation of additional production lines, progress toward the 6,000-unit daily target, and further increases in local integration. The evolution of STI's partnership with Vivo and the impact on Algeria's position in regional technology manufacturing will be key areas to monitor.
