Watu Credit expands digital access, empowering over one million Tanzanians
DAR ES SALAAM: WATU Credit says its affordable smartphone financing programme has transformed the lives of more than one million Tanzanians by improving access to digital communication, supporting business growth, and increasing participation in the country’s digital economy.
Speaking at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba), Watu Simu Sales Manager, Emmanuel Nchinga, said the company is celebrating five years since the launch of its smartphone financing service, which has enabled thousands of people to own smartphones through flexible and affordable credit plans.
Nchinga said the initiative has helped bridge the digital divide by giving people from different economic backgrounds access to smartphones, allowing them to stay connected, access information, use digital financial services, and manage their businesses more efficiently.
He noted that easier access to smartphones has opened up new economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners, enabling them to reach customers online, make digital payments, market their products, and participate more actively in Tanzania’s fast-growing digital economy.
“The impact goes beyond communication. Smartphones have become important tools for business, financial inclusion and economic empowerment, helping many Tanzanians improve their livelihoods,” Nchinga said.
He attributed the programme’s success to Watu Credit’s nationwide network of nearly 1,993 agents operating across all regions of Tanzania, including Arusha, Mwanza, Kagera, Songwe and many other areas, making the service easily accessible while also creating employment opportunities.
Nchinga said the company will continue expanding its reach to ensure more Tanzanians can afford smartphones, a move expected to further strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promote financial inclusion and accelerate the country’s digital transformation.
He also invited visitors at the Sabasaba exhibition to visit the Watu Simu pavilion to learn more about the company’s services and the financing opportunities available.
