Smartphones Become Essential: M-KOPA Reaches 1 Million Users in Uganda, Tackling Financial Barriers

M-KOPA, a fintech firm based in the UK, has reached a major milestone in Uganda by serving its one millionth customer in the country. This accomplishment, made possible through the efforts of 7,484 direct sales representatives (DSRs), highlights the company's dedication to promoting digital and financial access throughout Africa. Announced in a LinkedIn update on November 4, 2025, this achievement represents a crucial advancement in M-KOPA’s mission to reach underserved populations with affordable smartphone financing and digital financial products, according to a

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M-KOPA’s progress in Uganda is part of its larger goal to reduce the digital gap across Africa. Utilizing a pay-as-you-go approach, the company offers smartphones, solar energy solutions, and other vital technologies to households with low and moderate incomes. In Uganda, 83% of the DSRs are under the age of 35, demonstrating the company’s commitment to empowering young people to promote technology adoption in both rural and urban communities. Sales representatives such as Emmanuel Habyarimana, who has enrolled over 3,000 clients, and Elisezi Ndugala, a leading agent with nine years of experience, illustrate the local impact of M-KOPA’s strategy, the report highlights.

In addition to selling smartphones, M-KOPA has broadened its services to include digital lending, now providing financial products to over 173,000 users. Through its Smart Money Platform, customers can access loans to help manage their finances, strengthen their economic stability, and support small business growth. The platform also offers health insurance, mobile data, and device protection, turning smartphones into versatile tools for economic advancement. In Uganda, the introduction of the "More than a Phone" campaign further enriches this ecosystem by integrating features like digital loans and health coverage into a single device, as detailed in the report.

M-KOPA’s expansion in Uganda is part of its wider growth across Africa. The company is active in five countries—Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa—and has set bold objectives for 2025 and beyond. It plans to exceed $500 million in yearly revenue by the end of the year and ramp up smartphone production to 10 million units by 2027. Company leaders have stressed that smartphones are not just tools for communication, but essential resources for overcoming financial exclusion, especially in rural regions, the report notes.

This achievement demonstrates M-KOPA’s capacity to respond to market demands while using technology to create positive social change. As the company continues to grow, its business model may become a reference point for other fintech organizations aiming to tackle Africa’s distinct financial inclusion issues.