Vodacom Tanzania PLC and CRDB Bank have united their efforts to introduce a smartphone financing program aimed at accelerating smartphone adoption and narrowing the digital divide in Tanzania. This partnership, unveiled at a launch event in Dar es Salaam, underscores Vodacom's dedication to initiatives geared towards reducing device costs. Among these initiatives are subsidies for feature phones and financing options facilitating the shift from 2G to 4G-enabled smartphones. Leveraging strategic partnerships, such as this collaboration with CRDB Bank, is instrumental in broadening their customer base.
During the event, Philip Besiimire, Managing Director of Vodacom Tanzania, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with CRDB Bank, emphasizing their shared goal of extending smartphone financing to a wider audience at affordable rates and flexible payment terms. “As a major stakeholder and partner in the communication and technology sector, Vodacom is proud to launch this collaboration with CRDB Bank, a respected financial institution in the country. Our collaboration will allow us to extend smartphone loans to more customers at an affordable cost and flexible payment plans. The smartphone loan can be repaid daily, weekly, or monthly for a period of up to 12months through M-Pesa,” detailed Vodacom MD, Philip Besiimire.
On his part, the Managing Director of CRDB Bank, Abdulmajid Nsekela, added, “The partnership between Vodacom and CRDB Bank is an excellent opportunity for Tanzanian citizens to access affordable financial and communication services. As major stakeholders, we are responsible for supporting the government’s efforts to ensure that every Tanzanian can benefit from these sectors’ growth and development.”
Highlighting the importance of bridging the digital divide, Nsekela noted that despite efforts to expand mobile broadband services, many Tanzanians still rely on outdated 2G devices. This reliance impedes their ability to fully benefit from online opportunities and access high-speed internet services offered by Vodacom.
The availability of smartphones and internet connectivity brings about numerous community benefits, including driving economic growth, fostering innovation, enhancing digital literacy, and facilitating access to essential services. Vodacom Tanzania has actively collaborated with mobile phone manufacturers and financial institutions to enable smartphone ownership through affordable loans and flexible payment plans.
In August 2023, the company launched a program that allows customers to obtain smartphones through flexible loans starting from 20,000/-, repayable over a period of up to 12 months. Nsekela expressed optimism regarding the transformative potential of the partnership's innovative products and urged Tanzanians to embrace advanced smartphones to align with global digital trends.
