Airtel and Samsung have signed a two-year partnership deal that allows Airtel exclusive right to distribute some Samsung Electronics wireless products in 17 African countries for the first six months after their launch. Bharti Airtel, the world's fifth-biggest mobile phone operator by subscribers, said in a statement from its Indian Group Headquarters the move was aimed at driving mobile penetration in Africa. “The products include smartphones, mass-market mobile handsets, tablet computers, dongles and routers,” it said. The statement said the two companies will work together to provide market-specific products based on trends and consumer preferences, ensuring Airtel customers had access to products that were tailor made to their individual needs. It said as an integral part of this expansion plan, Airtel plans to roll out up to 2,200 retail stores across Africa in 2012, to serve as key retail outlets for the Samsung portfolio. The statement quoted CEO (international) and joint Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, Manoj Kohli as saying “this partnership demonstrates that we remain committed to meet Africa’s needs.” He said Airtel would work closely with Samsung to provide customers across every segment with cutting edge products. “We will leverage each other’s distribution networks to ensure that the range is within reach of our high value and corporate clients, our larger base with price in mind and especially cater to our young adult market,” Kohli said. Kohli added, “Airtel and Samsung will also join forces to develop services that will enhance m-Commerce, m-Health and other areas that have significant social benefits for the communities that we live and work in across Africa.” Head of Corporate Communications for Airtel Ghana, Donald Gwira confirmed to Adom News the distribution deal with Samsung had been on the discussion table for a while "and not that it is signed we are good to go." Airtel currently operates in 16 African countries, including Ghana, and secured licences in September to start services in Rwanda. The company has more than 50 million mobile subscribers in Africa, and it is the fourth biggest operator in Ghana, having crossed the two million subscriber mark on in the third quarter this year.