Bank of Kigali PLC (BK) in partnership with MTN Rwanda and Intelligra have signed a handset financing tripartite agreement that aims to provide smartphones to customers through a device-financing programme.

Intelligra offers a pan-African smartphone financing solution through a platform that integrates device manufacturers, financiers and mobile network operators.

The device financing programme which is set to be launched in a few weeks to come, aims at contribute to the acceleration of smartphone penetration in the country and build on the achievements made during the Connect Rwanda campaign that has run for two years.4

The campaign that is spearheaded by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation together with MTN Rwanda among other partners, was launched in 2020 with an aim to eventually have every household in Rwanda having a smartphone.

Mitwa Ng'ambi, the CEO of MTN Rwanda and  Diane Karusisi, Chief Executive Officer of BK PLC during the signing of the partnership aimed at contributing to the acceleration of smartphone penetration in Rwanda on June 7

During the signing ceremony that took place on Tuesday, June 7, at BK headquarters, Mitwa Ng'ambi, the CEO of MTN Rwanda, said that affordability of devices is one of the top reasons cited for why people don’t own a smartphone and therefore remain unconnected.

"We see Rwanda where everyone is connected to the digital world and without smartphone devices, access will always be limited. With this programme, we intend to connect as many Rwandans as possible to the digital world because we know the benefits that will come with it,” she said.

Mitwa further indicated that once launched on the market, this programme will enable customers to purchase smartphones of their choice on credit, paying back small amounts in installments.

Diane Karusisi, Chief Executive Officer of BK PLC during the signing of the partnership in Kigali on June 7.

"Credit eligibility will be based on a customer’s usage patterns on voice calls, data, and mobile money. With offers as low as Rwf200 per day, payments will be made in three flexible settlements either daily, weekly, or monthly via mobile money,” Mitwa added.

Diane Karusisi, Chief Executive Officer of BK PLC welcomed the partnership noting that it will help Rwanda to ease access to smartphones and empower communities in various ways such as access to internet, information, social services, among many others.

"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,” said Karusisi.

Mitwa Ng'ambi, the CEO of MTN Rwanda signing the agreement on June 7. Courtesy