KAMPALA, Uganda — Airtel Uganda and MOGO Uganda on Wednesday launched a joint initiative to provide affordable financing options for smartphones, aiming to increase access to the devices for more Ugandans.
The partnership seeks to lower the barrier to smartphone ownership, which is seen as a key factor in bridging the digital divide and enabling greater participation in the digital economy.
The program will allow eligible customers to acquire new smartphones through a simplified payment plan.
Speaking at a launch event in Kampala, Som Soumendra, Managing Director of Airtel Uganda, highlighted the initiative as crucial for digital inclusion.
“In today’s digital world, a smartphone is a lifeline to opportunity,” Soumendra said. “Through this partnership, we are making digital empowerment tangible and achievable for more Ugandans than ever before.”
Modestas Sudnius, CEO of Eleving Group, MOGO’s parent company, emphasized the broader economic impact. “Access to a smartphone equals access to global information and technology, empowering every Ugandan and accelerating the country’s development,” Sudnius said.
Under the initiative, customers can visit MOGO Uganda retail locations or designated Airtel service centers to select a smartphone and arrange a financing plan.
While specific details of the financing terms were not immediately available, the companies emphasized their commitment to affordability and ease of access.
The program will feature smartphones from Transsion Holdings brands, including Tecno, Infinix, and Itel.
Airtel also announced that participants will receive 3 gigabytes of free data monthly for three months.
The companies anticipate that increased smartphone penetration will have positive ripple effects across various sectors, including education, agriculture, and small businesses, by enabling access to information, online services, and digital marketplaces.
