On the side-lines of this year’s World Telecommunication Development Conference, WTDC, whose theme is “Connecting the unconnected to achieve sustainable development”, MTN Rwandacell Plc and BK Group Plc today signed an agreement to introduce a device financing program in Rwanda.
The device financing program aims to contribute to the acceleration of smartphone penetration in the country, building on the gains made during the #ConnectRwanda campaign that has ran for two years, since its kick-off in 2020.
During the signing ceremony, Mitwa Ng’ambi, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We see a Rwanda where everyone is connected to the digital world, and would actively like to contribute to this. Affordability of devices is one of the top reasons cited for why people do not own a smartphone and therefore remain unconnected. Partnering with BK Group to connect the unconnected, especially on the side-lines of the World Telecommunication Development Conference, hosted in Africa for the very first time is a real honour.”
When launched in market, this program will enable customers to purchase smartphones of their choice on credit, paying back small amounts over time. Credit eligibility will be based on a customer’s usage patterns on voice calls, data, and mobile money. With offers as low as Rwf 200 per day, payments will be made in three flexible settlements: either daily, weekly, or monthly via mobile money. Furthermore, each device purchased under this scheme will be bundled with free data to ease customers into the digital world.
Dr. Diane Karusisi, Bank of Kigali PLC Chief Executive Officer said, “We are pleased to partner with MTN Rwanda to ease access to smartphones and empower communities through the device financing program. At Bank of Kigali, we are constantly devising new ways to transform lives through financial inclusion across all customer segments and through this initiative, we believe more people will be able to access our digital financial services and transact seamlessly.”
The program which is set to launch in a few weeks will open the door for Rwandans to easily access a myriad of digital services and information, everywhere they go, making life that much brighter.
