MTN Rwandacell Plc, in partnership with fintech firm Yellow, unveiled a new smartphone financing programme designed to make devices more affordable for Rwandans. The campaign, branded Tunga Taci na MTN, was launched on Tuesday, August 19, at MTN headquarters. It allows customers to walk away with smartphones from Samsung, Tecno, Itel and Infinix for an initial payment starting at Rwf 16,000, followed by 12 monthly instalments. ALSO READ: MTN Rwanda focuses on network upgrades, fintech growth amid profit recovery To register, customers only need a national ID and can pick up their device at any MTN service centre or Yellow partner shop across the country. Eligibility is subject to a credit check, and the range of smartphones available will depend on each customer’s credit score. Executives said the initiative is aimed at breaking one of the biggest barriers to digital inclusion; affordability. “With Tunga Taci na MTN, we are empowering more Rwandans to connect, learn and thrive in the digital world,” said Somdev Sen, Chief Commercial and Digital Officer at MTN Rwanda. ALSO READ: MTN Rwanda unveils 'GWAMON’ bundle for affordable voice, data Yellow founder and CEO Michael Heyink called smartphones “gateways to opportunity” and stressed that trust will be central to the partnership’s long-term success. “Getting there is a journey, and Yellow is here for the long run,” Heyink said. “Yellow operates in seven countries and has nearly one million customers in Rwanda after three years,” Heyink said. “But MTN has served 300 million customers. For us, MTN is like the big brother in this market, and it’s the only partner we would want to work with here.” “We have to keep finding ways to make smartphones more affordable over time. But more importantly, customers need to trust us. If a phone is locked when it shouldn’t be, or a payment is taken incorrectly, that trust is lost. Without it, we cannot achieve our goal of universal internet access.” The programme builds on lessons from MTN’s earlier device-financing efforts and comes as smartphone adoption surges in Rwanda. Both partners framed the campaign as part of Rwanda’s Vision 2050, which seeks to create a digitally connected, knowledge-based economy. Revenue growth underscores launch The device financing launch coincides with MTN Rwanda’s strong half-year results. Chief Executive Officer Monzer Ali told reporters the company delivered double-digit service revenue growth and a return to profit in the first half of 2025, compared with a loss of Rwf 10 billion in the same period last year. MTN reported more than Rwf 6 billion in profit for the six months to June, driven by growth in its fintech business, a surge in data demand and ongoing investment in network upgrades, including the commercial rollout of 5G. “This performance reflects the strength of our customer-centric strategy,” Ali said. “Revenue is an output, not an input. By focusing on customer experience, we have delivered three consecutive profitable quarters.” He added that affordability remains the single biggest barrier to digital inclusion in Rwanda. “Everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life,” Ali said. “In partnership with Yellow, we are breaking the obstacles that prevent customers from accessing the digital world.” 5G as a platform for innovation MTN Rwanda’s chief executive Monzer Ali said the company has deployed more than 130 5G sites in Kigali, but stressed that 5G should be viewed as more than a network. “5G is not just a network. It is a capability, an ecosystem, a platform that supports Rwanda’s national digital transformation,” Ali said. “We are opening that vehicle for innovators, startups and tech creators to build on.” He acknowledged that adoption among consumers remains limited, as most 5G-enabled phones are high-end and costly, but said the company’s focus goes beyond immediate revenue. “5G for us is about accelerating Rwanda’s digital transformation,” Ali said. “We are ambitious and have a solid plan to expand coverage strategically, starting with key sectors such as health, agriculture and education, both in Kigali and beyond.” Ali noted that while availability is currently concentrated in the capital, MTN is proud to be the first to launch 5G in Rwanda. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “5G is a platform for all.” About MTN Rwandacell MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the leading mobile telecommunications provider in Rwanda. Since its launch in 1998, the company has invested heavily in expanding and modernising its network while driving digital innovation to support the country’s development. Today, MTN Rwanda serves millions of subscribers with tailored voice, data and digital solutions for both individuals and businesses. Guided by its vision to deliver a bold, new digital world, MTN Rwanda is committed to ensuring that every Rwandan has access to the benefits of a modern connected life. About Yellow Yellow is a pan-African company founded in 2017 with a mission to make life better for everyday people. The company specialises in affordable instalment plans for essential products, including solar energy systems and smartphones, enabling more households to access life-changing technologies. Yellow currently operates in seven African countries and has served more than 800,000 customers to date.
