The launch of “Macye Macye,” a device financing program that will be funded by the Bank of Kigali and enable MTN Rwanda customers to buy smartphones and tablets on credit from any MTN Service center, franchisee shop, or other retail distribution point, was announced by MTN Rwanda in collaboration with Bank of Kigali.
By dialing 18212# and completing a short onboarding process, customers can now own a smartphone of their choice for as little as Rwf 200 per day. Each handset acquired under the device finance scheme will include complimentary MTN SMS, voice time, and data. Customers have the option of making daily, weekly, or monthly payments for their gadgets. Mobile Money will be used for all payments.
Customers of MTN will be prequalified using a credit score based on their purchases of various telecoms services over the last twelve months, including Voice, Data, SMS, and Mobile Money.
The service is consistent with MTN Rwanda’s dedication to providing its clients with outstanding personalized services that are tailored to their needs, which is reflected in MTN’s overarching purpose to lead the delivery of digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.
“Smartphone affordability has been a barrier to our customers being able to access the mobile internet. Our partnership with Bank of Kigali sets to increase affordability and lighten the burden to avail smartphones to all, which underpins MTN Rwanda’s belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life”, said Mapula Bodibe, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer.
“Additionally, with ‘Macye Macye’, we are committed to creating a more connected world to enable more people to access the power of the Internet and bridge the digital divide in the country, where approximately 75% of the population do not own a smartphone. This is yet another milestone that will allow MTN to enrich the lives of our customers as well as to accelerate Rwanda into an innovative digital economy with Accessible and Affordable Internet services.”, Bodibe added.
As the financing partner, Bank of Kigali Plc will offer lending services to eligible customers in the smartphone financing scheme whose credit scoring will be in line with BK’s credit qualification criteria.
Chief Executive Officer for Bank of Kigali, Dr Diane Karusisi said “We are very delighted to partner with MTN Rwanda for the device financing program which we believe will further accelerate smartphone penetration and empower communities. At Bank of Kigali, we are constantly innovating to create digital products and campaigns that will allow us to serve Rwandans seamlessly, and this program speaks to our belief that everyone should easily access digital financial services.”
Speaking at the launch, Yaw Ankoma Agyapong, MTN Rwanda’s Chief Consumer and Digital Officer added, “As we give more people affordable opportunities to own smartphones, they will need reliable internet access to enter the digital world. Devices and internet solutions go hand-in-hand; we cannot have one without the other. So, to all our customers, we are saying “Gahunda ni MTN 4G”, as we offer affordable 4G packages that are convenient to use for browsing, streaming, and downloading. To our customers who have been on the fence on whether to transition to our 4G network, now is the time.”
