NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 17 – E-commerce platform Jumia has partnered with Watu Credit to roll out a buy now, pay later (BNPL) model that enables Kenyans to access smartphones through flexible financing.
Under the deal, customers can purchase devices on Jumia and pay in daily, weekly, or monthly instalments via mobile money.
Although smartphone penetration in Kenya is estimated at 80 percent, many users still rely on low-quality devices. By financing premium brands like Samsung, the initiative aims to help first-time buyers and existing users upgrade to reliable, connected devices.
“Access to affordable smartphones is no longer a luxury, but a necessity,” said Erick Massawe, Country Manager at Watu Credit. “Our financing model allows customers to pay as they go, while building a credit history and unlocking opportunities to grow their income and digital skills.”
Watu’s technology-enabled lending uses IoT-based locking software that ensures responsible repayments: customers pay via mobile money, and the device remains active only as long as payments are made.
Since 2022, the lender has financed nearly two million devices in Kenya, creating measurable social and economic impact.
“Smartphones are among our top-selling products. By partnering with Watu, we can expand access to connected devices, making it easier for Kenyans to participate in the digital economy. Over time, we aim to make the entire process seamless and fully online,” said Vinod Goel, Jumia’s East Africa Regional CEO.
The collaboration will begin with Jumia’s agents facilitating the first phase of financing.
Plans are underway to roll out direct online access in the coming months, enabling customers to select devices at checkout, complete digital know-your-customer (KYC) processes, and have smartphones delivered to their doorstep.
By Erick Malala
