M-KOPA, a leading fintech company, has officially launched an innovative smartphone offering that combines premium digital access with built-in financial services such as health insurance for low-income earners. The initiative, dubbed ‘More than a Phone,’ represent a fundamental shift in how devices drive financial inclusion across Africa. Unlike traditional smartphones that simply connect users to the internet, M-KOPA’s devices are embedded with health insurance, affordable credit, and device protection. Company officials told journalists at a briefing in Kampala on Thursday that with an M-KOPA smartphone, customers can transform their financial circumstances by expanding their income generation opportunities and accessing essential insurance services. “Our goal has always been to deliver more than just access to technology. We want to unlock real, tangible progress in the lives of our customers,” said Brendah Nambalirwa Tzadok, the General Manager. “By bundling health insurance and device protection into every smartphone loan, we’re helping Every Day Earners in Uganda stay connected, safe, and productive.” For Ugandans earning a daily income, owning a quality smartphone often comes with challenges such as high upfront costs and costly repairs. M-KOPA is changing this with flexible daily payment plans that mirror natural income flows, ensuring that more people can participate in an increasingly digital economy.
In a smartphone market where affordability alone is no longer enough, “More Than a Phone” sets M-KOPA apart by delivering real added value through bundled benefits. Each phone includes free hospital insurance and screen repair support, transforming an ordinary purchase into a long-term investment in progress.
The M-KOPA hospital cover, provided in partnership with insurance technology company Turaco, includes free hospitalisation cover of up to UGX 750,000 per year, among other benefits. “This is about recognising the realities our customers face. A cracked screen or unexpected medical bill shouldn’t derail someone’s progress,” added Nambalirwa Tzadok. “More Than a Phone is how we walk alongside our customers, every day.” Since entering the Ugandan market, M-KOPA has financed smartphones for hundreds of thousands of customers. This supports the national goal of digital inclusion and inclusive economic growth. By making essential technology more affordable and meaningful, M-KOPA continues to strengthen its role as a partner in Uganda’s development journey.
