Billionaire Profile
Zhu Zhaojiang
Global Rank
#1947

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Zhu Zhaojiang

CEO, Transsion Holdings
CN
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.2B
As of December 2025
Age
51
Source
Smartphones
Industry
manufacturing
Citizenship
CN

Biography

Zhu Zhaojiang is a self-made Chinese billionaire, the chairman of Transsion Holdings, a major global smartphone manufacturer. His net worth is estimated at $1.2 billion as of December 5, 2025. Zhu Zhaojiang, often referred to as the "King of the African mobile phone market", founded Transsion Technology in 2006. His source of wealth is smartphones. Zhu Zhaojiang's career began in 1996 at Ningbo Bird. His vision led Transsion to focus on emerging markets, particularly the African continent, where its brands like Tecno, Infinix, and Itel have become dominant, best-selling smartphone brands.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Zhu Zhaojiang joined Ningbo Bird, a well-known Chinese smartphone brand, after graduating from university in 1996. He was in charge of selling pagers and rose through the ranks to become the deputy general manager in 2003. During his time at Ningbo Bird, he suggested expanding the business overseas, which led him to explore more than 90 markets.

Rise to Success

Zhu Zhaojiang founded Transsion Technology in 2006. The company focused on providing affordable, high-quality mobile phones to underserved markets, particularly in Africa. Transsion’s success is attributed to its focus on the unique needs of emerging markets and its commitment to innovation, offering features like long battery life and cameras optimized for darker skin tones. Transsion’s brands, including Tecno, Itel, and Infinix, have become the leading smartphone brands in Africa.

Key Business Strategies

Transsion adopted a strategy of producing low-cost, durable smartphones with features tailored to the needs of African consumers. This strategy allowed the company to dominate the African smartphone market. Transsion also built an ecosystem covering hardware, software, and after-sales services. The company launched an IPO on the Shanghai STAR Market in 2019.

Philanthropy

Zhu Zhaojiang is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, though specific details are not readily available in the search results. Transsion's impact extends beyond business by providing affordable access to mobile technology, driving economic growth in emerging markets.

Career Milestones

1996

Joined Ningbo Bird

Began career at the Chinese smartphone brand, selling pagers.

2003

Deputy General Manager at Ningbo Bird

Rose to deputy general manager and proposed overseas expansion.

2006

Founded Transsion Technology

Established the company to focus on mobile phones for emerging markets.

2019

Transsion Holdings IPO

Took Transsion Holdings public on the Shanghai STAR Market.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Digital Literacy Programs

Unknown

Supports initiatives to bridge the digital divide and promote digital literacy in underserved communities.