Jumia and Watu Credit have partnered to launch a Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) program in Kenya, offering smartphone financing through daily, weekly, or monthly installments. This initiative aims to address the prevalence of low-quality devices and increase access to better smartphones across the country.

• The partnership allows customers to finance premium smartphone brands using mobile money.
• Watu Credit, an asset financier, utilizes IoT-based locking software to ensure timely payments; devices remain active only while installments are current.
• Erick Massawe, Country Manager at Watu Credit, stated that access to affordable smartphones is a necessity, helping customers build credit history.
• Vinod Goel, Jumia’s East Africa Regional CEO, highlighted that smartphones are among their top-selling products.
• The long-term goal is to digitize the entire financing process, from online selection and KYC to home delivery.