Airtel Rwanda and WATU Credit Launch Smartphone Financing Program to Expand Digital Access in Rwanda
Airtel Rwanda, one of the country’s leading telecommunications operators, has partnered with WATU Credit Rwanda to launch a new smartphone financing initiative aimed at making modern Samsung smartphones more affordable and accessible to Rwandans.
The program allows customers to purchase selected Samsung smartphones through a flexible installment payment plan, reducing the financial burden of paying the full price upfront. Under the new arrangement, customers can acquire a smartphone with an initial deposit starting from RWF 45,000, while the remaining balance is paid in manageable monthly installments.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote digital inclusion by ensuring that more people have access to reliable smartphones capable of supporting education, business, financial services, and communication.
Customers will be able to purchase Samsung smartphones including the Samsung Galaxy A06, Galaxy A07, and Galaxy A17, devices designed to provide essential smartphone features at affordable prices. By removing the barrier of high upfront costs, Airtel Rwanda and WATU Credit hope to accelerate smartphone ownership across different income groups.
Speaking during the launch, Emile Kinuma, Managing Director of WATU Credit Rwanda, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to improving financial inclusion while helping more Rwandans access quality digital devices.
“Our objective is to ensure that more Rwandans can own modern smartphones that help them connect to digital services, grow their businesses, pursue education, and improve their everyday lives,” Kinuma said.
He explained that although smartphones have become essential tools in today’s digital economy, many people are still unable to purchase them because of the high upfront cost. The installment payment model, he added, is designed to remove that obstacle by spreading payments over an agreed period, making ownership more affordable for families and small business owners.
Kinuma noted that increased smartphone ownership is expected to contribute to Rwanda’s digital transformation by enabling more citizens to participate in online economic activities, government e-services, mobile banking, digital education, and electronic commerce.
On the side of Airtel Rwanda, John Magara, Head of Brand and Communications, said the partnership aligns with the company’s vision of making digital technology available to every Rwandan regardless of their economic background.
“We are delighted to partner with WATU Credit Rwanda because this initiative will enable many of our customers to own modern smartphones and fully benefit from Airtel’s high-speed internet services as well as our mobile financial solutions,” Magara said.
“Our mission is to continue bringing digital technology closer to every Rwandan. Access to affordable smartphones is an important step toward achieving that goal.”
Magara emphasized that smartphones have become the primary gateway to the internet for millions of Africans. Expanding smartphone ownership, he said, will encourage greater use of online education platforms, digital entrepreneurship, entertainment services, healthcare information, and government digital services.
The Managing Director of WATU, Sujay Chakrabarti, said the company selected Airtel Rwanda as its strategic partner because of its strong nationwide network, trusted reputation, and ability to reach customers across different communities.
“Airtel Rwanda provides reliable services that are accessible to people from all walks of life, including both low-income and higher-income households,” Chakrabarti said.
“That made Airtel the ideal partner for this initiative, which is intended to make smartphone ownership possible for customers who may not be able to pay the full purchase price at once.”
He stressed that smartphones today serve purposes far beyond voice communication.
“A smartphone is now a gateway to countless opportunities. It enables communication, education, entrepreneurship, digital banking, access to public services, online employment, and information sharing. Through this partnership, we want to ensure that more Rwandans can benefit from those opportunities without being limited by the initial cost of purchasing a device.”
One of the key features of the financing program is that customers can continue using their smartphones immediately after purchase while they are still making installment payments. As long as they comply with the agreed repayment schedule established with WATU Credit Rwanda, they will retain uninterrupted access to both their devices and Airtel’s digital services.
Industry experts believe that financing models such as this could play a significant role in increasing smartphone penetration in Rwanda, particularly among young people, students, informal traders, and rural communities. Wider smartphone adoption is expected to stimulate economic growth by expanding access to digital financial services, e-commerce platforms, online education, and employment opportunities.
The initiative also supports Rwanda’s broader national strategy of building a digital economy. The Government of Rwanda has consistently prioritized digital transformation through investments in broadband infrastructure, digital public services, financial technology, and innovation. Affordable smartphone ownership is considered a key factor in ensuring that citizens can fully participate in these digital opportunities.
Officials from both Airtel Rwanda and WATU Credit Rwanda expressed confidence that the partnership will contribute to bridging the country’s digital divide while empowering more people through technology. By making smartphones easier to acquire, the two companies hope to create greater economic
opportunities, improve digital literacy, and accelerate Rwanda’s journey toward a more inclusive and connected digital future.
By: Florence Uwamaliya
