Samsung and Watu Simu connect 500,000 Ugandans through affordable smartphone access

_________________

While Uganda has a population of approximately 46 million people, only around 18.2m smartphones are in use, leaving more than half the entire country without access to the opportunities mobile technology provides.

This explains why Watu Simu, the smartphone financing arm of Watu, and Samsung, a global technology leader, are tackling this challenge head-on and have already enabled over 500,000 Ugandans to own smartphones through their partnership.

The initiative combines Samsung’s world-class devices with Watu Simu’s affordable, flexible financing model, ensuring that no region of Uganda is left without access to technology.

Watu’s approach has already transformed lives in Kenya and other countries across Africa, where millions of clients have gained access to smartphones for work, education, and connectivity.

Building on this success, the Uganda partnership with Samsung is scaling rapidly, with over half a million customers already benefiting and many more expected as the model expands nationwide.

Recent insights from a GeoPoll survey highlight the tangible impact of smartphone access in Uganda: 54% of Watu customers reported higher incomes, 21% secured new jobs, and 86% now access mobile banking weekly.

For small business owners like Zubedah Nabankema in Kampala, this access has been life-changing. After acquiring a smartphone through Watu Simu, she now manages her juice business digitally, reaching more customers, saving more money, and increasing her income, a story echoed by thousands of other entrepreneurs across the country.

“Samsung is committed to driving digital inclusion across Africa. Through this partnership with Watu Simu, we are ensuring that more Ugandans can access innovative technology that enhances their daily lives and creates growth opportunities,” Moses Kutesta Buye, Country Manager for Uganda, Samsung Electronics East Africa said.

Meanwhile Mykyta Batenko, Head of Watu Simu in Uganda, observes that their mission is to unlock financial access and empower communities.

“Reaching over 500,000 clients in Uganda is just the beginning; we are committed to scaling further so that millions more, including those in underserved regions, can benefit from affordable smartphones and the opportunities they create,” he said

This partnership is not just about smartphones; it is about unlocking income, jobs, and digital inclusion for millions of Ugandans.

Market statistics

According to UCC’s Fourth Quarter 2024 report, only 35.6% of Uganda’s 51 million mobile subscribers are using smartphones, compared to 72% in Kenya and over 90% in South Africa.

Between 2020 and 2023, smartphone usage in Uganda grew from 7.6m to 15 million, driven by the availability of more affordable devices and innovative affordability schemes. However, the overall smartphone penetration remains relatively low.