MTN Nigeria partners M-KOPA to broaden technology access in Ilorin

MTN Nigeria in partnership with M-KOPA, a technology solution provider have opened a smartphone store in Ilorin in a move aimed at further enhancing smartphone affordability for Nigerians.

The Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Adia Sowho, said in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos that the move would also encourage inclusivity and broaden technology access in the country.

Sowho said that the store would operate on the distinctive buy now, pay later model.

She said that customers would be allowed to visit the stores, choose their preferred smartphone and repayment duration, make an initial deposit and leave with their selected smartphone.

According to her, repayments can be as low as N4,000 per week, with the added perk of enjoying MTN data weekly on their newly-acquired smartphones.

“This initiative underscores MTN’s commitment to narrowing the digital gap and empowering individuals with limited financial means to embrace modern technology.

“The partnership with M-KOPA enhances these efforts, providing a more comprehensive approach to accessibility and affordability in the realm of mobile technology.

“The newly opened store represents a revolutionary approach to mobile phone accessibility, prioritising affordability and inclusivity, customers can now acquire a phone of their choice without immediate financial constraints,’’ she said.

Sowho said that established in 2011, M-KOPA operated across Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria, improving the lives of millions of underbanked customers through equitable and flexible financial services.

She said that M-KOPA had a track record of satisfying over 150,000 customers in Nigeria, in states such as Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and now Ilorin.

The MTN official said that these services empowered customers to access life-enhancing assets such as smartphones and digital financial services.