Airtel Rwanda, Watu make smartphones more accessible with new financing deal

More Rwandans will be able to own smartphones without paying the full purchase price upfront following a new partnership between Airtel Rwanda and Watu, which introduces flexible device financing. It allows customers to spread the cost of smartphones over affordable instalments, making digital connectivity more accessible across the country. The partnership was signed in Kigali on July 9 between telecommunications company Airtel Rwanda and Watu, an asset financing firm operating across Africa and Latin America that specialises in mobility and connectivity solutions. According to the companies, the partnership combines Airtel Rwanda's drive for digital inclusion with Watu's financing expertise, making it easier for customers to upgrade from feature phones to smartphones and access opportunities in Rwanda's growing digital economy. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/andrii-volokha_watu4watu-watusimu-airtelrwanda-ugcPost-7481232709365874688-LCTD/?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAADRyzbsBbJ2dGwU-gyJbP7r4go6_WZYAoic Flexible financing puts smartphones within reach Under the new financing offer, customers can purchase selected Samsung smartphones through affordable installment plans while enjoying exclusive Airtel connectivity benefits. The flagship offer includes Samsung smartphone financing through Watu where beneficiaries will enjoy 15GB welcome data on every eligible device purchase, 45GB of data plus unlimited calls and SMS to all networks and Rwf3,000, valid for 30 days, payable via Airtel Money. The package, according to the officials, gives customers an affordable path to smartphone ownership, backed by generous data, calls, and SMS bundles to keep them connected from day one. This initiative further strengthens Airtel Rwanda's Switch to More or “Hitamo Ibirenze proposition by making both smartphones and connectivity more affordable and accessible to everyone. Driving digital inclusion Speaking about the partnership, Airtel Rwanda Managing Director Sujay Chakrabarti said the initiative reflects the company's commitment to expanding digital access by making smartphones and connectivity more affordable for Rwandans. “We recognise that while smartphones have become essential tools for education, business, financial inclusion, and communication, affordability remains a barrier for many people,” he said. “Through our partnership with Watu, we are removing that barrier by enabling customers to own quality smartphones through convenient financing while enjoying the power of Airtel's network and value-packed data offers. This is another important milestone in our commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in Rwanda's digital transformation. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/watu4watu-digitalinclusion-financialinclusion-ugcPost-7481238372976582656-niJK/?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAADRyzbsBbJ2dGwU-gyJbP7r4go6_WZYAoic More people go smart According to Emile Kinuma, Head of Growth at Watu Rwanda, smartphone is no longer just a communication device rather it is a gateway to opportunity. “At Watu, we are committed to making quality 4G and 5G smartphones more affordable through responsible financing, enabling more Rwandans to access education, financial services, entrepreneurship and the wider digital economy,” he said. “Together with Airtel Rwanda, we are proud to support Rwanda's vision for an inclusive digital future through reducing the upfront cost of smartphone ownership, the initiative will enable thousands more Rwandans to access mobile internet, digital financial services, online learning, e commerce, and employment opportunities.” Expanding access through partnerships According to Andrii Volokha, General Manager, Watu East Africa, the signing of the partnership marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both organisations with a target of reaching more communities across Rwanda and creating even more opportunities for the people they serve. Volokha said Watu's experience across East Africa has shown that combining financing solutions with strategic local partnerships can expand access and make ownership easier for more people. He added that the collaboration is designed to combine financing and connectivity solutions in a way that delivers greater value and convenience for customers. “Together, we're making smartphone ownership easier, more convenient and simpler to manage than either of us could deliver alone. And that is important because a smartphone today is far more than a communication device,” noted Volokha. “When we make smartphone ownership more affordable, we're helping create more opportunities for people, their families and their communities,” he added. The partnership started over the past two months and officials that over 2,000 people have already acquired smartphone through it and thousands of Rwandans stand a chance to get smartphones. “This gives us confidence not only in this partnership, but in the opportunity ahead. Together with Airtel and Airtel Money, we look forward to reaching more communities, enabling more people to own smartphones and helping even more Rwandans participate in the digital economy. “Partnerships like this don't happen overnight. They are built through months of planning, collaboration and trust. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to bringing this partnership to life,” he noted. Customers can visit participating Airtel Service Centres and Watu partner locations nationwide to learn more about the financing options, eligibility requirements, and available Samsung smartphone models. Beneficiaries speak out Beneficiaries of the smartphone through the partnership have expressed gratitude saying that without it, owning smartphones would remain just a dream. “Without Watu and Airtel Rwanda partnership, my business would not have grown to where it is today. Using WhatsApp to promote my products and communicate with clients has helped reach more customers and expand my business,” said Esther Niyonkuru, a resident from Kigali. As smartphone adoption continues to grow across Rwanda, Airtel Rwanda remains committed to collaborating with strategic partners that expand access to technology and empower customers with greater connectivity, convenience, and digital opportunities, officials said.

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Airtel Rwanda, Watu make smartphones more accessible with new financing deal