In a powerful step towards bridging the digital divide, MTN MoMo South Africa has unveiled an innovative Rent-to-Own smartphone initiative, aimed at transforming access to digital technology for millions of underserved and unbanked South Africans. This strategic move reflects MTN’s broader commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and accessible digital transformation.
With smartphones serving as essential tools for communication, education, and economic participation, the new program removes the traditional obstacles that often stand in the way of ownership — notably credit checks, lengthy paperwork, and unaffordable upfront costs. Through this initiative, South Africans can now own a 4G or 5G smartphone by paying as little as R10 per day, without the need for any financial history or employment documentation.
Empowering the Underserved with Smart Financing
The Rent-to-Own program is seamlessly integrated into the MTN MoMo App, providing users with an intuitive and secure way to begin their journey to smartphone ownership. The process is deliberately simple and efficient. After selecting the device and submitting a basic application, customers make a small deposit and then choose from a range of payment options — three, six, nine, or twelve months. Once the plan is completed, the smartphone becomes their property, permanently.
“This isn’t just a new product launch — it’s a new way of thinking,” said Kagiso Mothibi, CEO of Fintech SA at MTN South Africa. “Smartphones are more than devices — they are keys to education, financial services, and social mobility. Our goal is to place those keys in more hands and foster genuine digital inclusion across the country.”
Leveraging AI for Inclusive Access
The backbone of this program is MTN’s trusted fintech platform, developed in collaboration with Airvantage. The platform uses advanced AI-driven affordability assessments to determine eligibility — without requiring a payslip or a credit record. This approach is especially significant in South Africa, where a large portion of the population operates in the informal sector and lacks access to traditional financial products.
According to Tandi Kuper, CEO of Airvantage, “We are leveraging data science and financial technology to level the playing field. This is innovation with a social purpose — making high-quality smartphones accessible at scale to those who need them most.”
A Strategic Step in MTN’s Inclusion Journey
This initiative builds upon previous MTN efforts, such as the Smartphone For All campaign and the Shesh@ 5G SIM Delivery service, which were all geared toward extending digital services to previously excluded communities. Each initiative is a clear signal of MTN’s resolve to disrupt traditional market structures and offer practical, real-world solutions that resonate with the daily realities of South Africans.
By introducing rent-to-own solutions, MTN is actively rewriting the rules of smartphone affordability and accessibility. It’s not just about technology — it’s about empowering people to connect, learn, and grow in a digitally driven world.
What Users Can Expect
To take advantage of the Rent-to-Own offering, users simply need to follow these steps:
- Open or download the MTN MoMo App
- Navigate to the “Handset Rent-to-Own” option
- Complete a quick, simplified application
- Pay a minimal upfront deposit
- Select a suitable payment duration (3, 6, 9, or 12 months)
- Receive the device directly
- Own the smartphone outright after the final installment
The launch phase of this initiative features trusted Samsung 4G smartphones, with more reputable brands expected to be added soon, ensuring users have access to reliable, high-performance devices.
Innovation with Purpose
MTN’s Rent-to-Own initiative signals a paradigm shift in the way tech companies address digital inequality. It’s no longer sufficient to innovate for the sake of profit or novelty — the innovation must serve a purpose, address a gap, and uplift communities.
As Mothibi emphasized, “This is customer-first innovation in action. We are inviting more South Africans into the digital ecosystem with dignity, simplicity, and flexibility.”
It’s clear that MTN isn’t just delivering connectivity — it’s delivering opportunity, enabling more people to participate in the digital economy, learn new skills, access e-services, and unlock financial independence.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Toward Digital Equality
In a country where digital access remains unequal, the MTN MoMo Rent-to-Own program emerges as a powerful equalizer. It shows that with the right vision and the right technology, innovation can do more than create new products — it can change lives. By targeting the root causes of smartphone inaccessibility, MTN is empowering individuals, transforming communities, and helping to build a more connected, inclusive South Africa.
This is not just a telecommunications story — it’s a story of economic empowerment, technological justice, and human potential.
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