OREANDA-NEWS. February 12, 2014. The Bosch Group opened a new sales and service subsidiary in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. The supplier of technology and services plans to start operations in the east African country with five associates, offering auto parts and testing equipment, workshop concepts, power tools, and security systems.

Given the rapid growth of Africa's population, a very low average age, and the increasing purchasing power of a growing middle class, the company sees huge potential for growth in Africa. In addition, Bosch expects automotive sales to rise significantly, especially in Kenya. The country's attractive position makes it a good entry point for the dynamically growing markets of eastern Africa.

“This entry into the east African market is an important milestone for Bosch. It shows the strategic importance we attach to east Africa,” said the Bosch board of management member Uwe Raschke at the opening ceremony in Nairobi. “Our focus is on affordable, Bosch-quality products that are adapted to the requirements of our customers.” Before the end of the year, Bosch intends to open a further six locations in Africa: in Algeria, Angola, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tunisia. According to preliminary figures, the company's more than 600 associates in Africa generated sales of some 340 million euros in 2013.