Asset financing firm M-KOPA has strengthened its “More Than a Phone” platform with new customer benefits, as fresh data shows rising uptake and significant economic impact among low-income Ugandans.
The company announced that it has now unlocked over Shs1 trillion in cumulative credit for more than **one million customers since entering the Ugandan market in 2013, marking a major milestone in expanding access to digital and financial services.
According to its 2025 Impact Report, independently validated by global consultancy Caribou, more than half of its customers are first-time phone owners, underlining M-KOPA’s role in driving digital inclusion.
The report shows that 86 per cent of customers use their phones for income-generating activities , including running small businesses, accessing markets and selling goods. A similar proportion reported improved quality of life, while 75 per cent said their incomes have increased since acquiring the devices.
M-KOPA Uganda General Manager, Brenda Nambalirwa-Tzadok, said the figures reflect a shift in how smartphones are transforming livelihoods.
“Reaching over Shs1 trillion in unlocked credit reflects the trust our customers have placed in M-KOPA over the past decade,” she said.
“It also shows that access to smartphones is no longer only about connectivity. For many customers, it is directly linked to income generation, financial inclusion, and everyday opportunity.”
Beyond customer impact, the firm’s contribution to the national economy continues to grow. In 2024, M-KOPA paid over Shs20 billion in taxes and spent Shs120.8 billion on local procurement, supporting businesses across the country.
The company also sustains employment through a network of more than 3,500 sales agents and 270 full-time staff , creating income opportunities nationwide.
Under its enhanced “More Than a Phone” platform, customers receive a bundle of services including free daily data for the first year, access to cash loans, screen repair services and microinsurance.
In partnership with Turaco Micro Insurance Company Ltd, the platform provides hospital cash benefits covering both inpatient and outpatient care—targeting everyday earners often excluded from traditional insurance.
“Conventional insurance has often been perceived as expensive and out of reach for ordinary people. This model is helping bridge that gap,” said Romeo Juuko, Partnership Manager at Turaco.
To further improve affordability and flexibility, M-KOPA has introduced new upgrade options. Customers who complete their device payments can now access discounted pricing on new smartphones , while a phone swap feature allows users to upgrade mid-loan with zero deposit.
The company says the expanded offering is designed to ensure continuous access to digital tools, rather than treating phone ownership as a one-time purchase.
With smartphone adoption accelerating, analysts say integrated solutions combining credit, connectivity and insurance are likely to play a central role in Uganda’s next phase of economic inclusion.
“Our goal is to ensure that every hardworking Ugandan is not left out of the digital and financial economy,” Nambalirwa said.
