Airtel Uganda, in partnership with MOGO Uganda and Transsion Holdings, has today launched an innovative smartphone financing initiative aimed at making quality smartphones more accessible and affordable to Ugandans across the country.
This partnership will enable customers to own brand-new smartphones from leading brands Tecno, Infinix, and Itel with a simple and affordable financing plan.
According to officials, customers can walk into any MOGO Uganda retailer or select Airtel Service Centers, present their National ID, choose a smartphone of their choice, make a small initial deposit, and walk away with the device in just minutes.
In addition, every participant will receive 3GB of FREE Airtel data every month for three consecutive months, allowing them to unlock immediate value from their new devices.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Sahu Soumendra, Managing Director of Airtel Uganda, highlighted the initiative as part of Airtel Uganda’s broader commitment to digital inclusion.
“In today’s digital world, a smartphone is a lifeline to opportunity. Through this partnership, we are making digital empowerment tangible and achievable for more Ugandans than ever before. And as the number one network of choice, Airtel Uganda is committed to pairing affordable devices with strong, safe, and reliable connectivity,” he said.
“This initiative aligns with Airtel Uganda’s continued efforts to expand network coverage and digital safety. Just recently, Airtel rolled out new network sites across the country and launched Uganda’s first AI-powered Spam Alert Service. A proactive tool that protects users from scams, fraud, and digital manipulation.”
Modestas Sudnius, CEO of Eleving Group (MOGO’s parent company), emphasized the group’s pan-African vision for economic mobility through smart financing
“We have invested 30 million euros in Uganda, and with the launch of smartphone loans, we aim to double our business and explore expansion into other markets. Uganda’s potential is vast, driven by a young, rapidly developing population where many still lack access to smartphones. Access to a smartphone equals access to global information and technology, empowering every Ugandan and accelerating the country’s development.”
“The fact that with a smartphone, everyone has access to that technology , it will enhance the development of Uganda as an economy , way faster than we think.”
Officials said the partnership is expected to empower over 360,000 Ugandans annually, with far- reaching benefits from students accessing online learning, to farmers checking market prices, to entrepreneurs running businesses via mobile platforms.
Japhet Aritho, Managing Director Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited said Airtel Money will make it easy for customers to use their mobile wallet to repay the smartphone loans from wherever they are.
“You only need to have money on your wallet and you will be able to make that payment easily. This is the reason we are not going to stop business or such partnerships until we get everyone financially included,” Aritho said.
He said this is part of the company’s efforts to ensure financial inclusion in Uganda.
“Financial inclusion is not only about money transfer and savings. It is also access to credit. What we are doing today is making sure every customer has access to credit so that they can afford that right and this will change their lives,” Soumendra said.
