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 2 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 Bank of Kigali 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 Rwf200 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.

Commenting on the development ; 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.

About MTN Rwandacell

MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, we have continuously invested in expanding and modernising our network and leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.

As the country’s No 1 network, we offer various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers for individuals and corporates with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to our customers because we believe everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.

About Bank of Kigali PLC

Bank of Kigali Plc. is the largest commercial bank in Rwanda, by total assets. In 2017, Global Credit Ratings affirmed Bank of Kigali’s long-term and short-term national scale ratings of AA-(RW) and A1+(RW) respectively with a stable outlook.

The Bank has won several back-to-back international and regional banking awards from Euromoney, The Banker, Global Finance Magazine, and EMEA Finance. Bank of Kigali has been recently awarded “Best Bank in Rwanda 2022” by Global Finance.

The CEO of MTN, Mitwa (left) and her counterpart of Bank of Kigali, Dr. Karusisi after signing the agreements.