Mascom launches first mobile device financing
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday May 26, 2025 16:15
MyZaka Flexi is a trailblazing new product that marks a national first in mobile device financing. The newly launched mobile financing product enables eligible MyZaka customers to acquire a 4G-enabled smartphone today and pay for it over a 12-month period, with no collateral and complex paperwork. MyZaka Flexi product is designed to meet the needs of everyday Batswana while also product bridging the gap between aspiration and accessibility, advancing Mascom's mission to be a digital services provider of choice to Batswana.
Speaking at the launch, Mascom Wireless' Chief Consumer Business Officer, Kolubah Flomo, said through MyZaka Flexi, the telecommunications giant is responding to the consumer and market needs.
At the same time, Flomo said the company is acting in a decisive manner to bridge the digital gap making smart phones and digital tools more accessible to the underserved populations.
Flomo added digital divide in Botswana is a stubborn barrier to economic participation and social mobility.
Recent dataset echoes the statement according to the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority's (BOCRA) Annual Report for 2023, mobile penetration in Botswana stands at an impressive 176%.
However, the same report revealed that only 49% of devices actively used on the network were smart phones.
This means more than half of mobile users still rely on basic or feature phones, severely limiting their access to mobile-based digital services such as mobile banking, e-learning platforms and e-health tools that are meant to enhance their lives.
Flomo said as per Mascom Wireless' quest to ensure digital citizenship, access to smart devices should not remain a privilege but a societal norm.
'And that is what we at Mascom are resolute about enabling the digital society. This is more than a product launch-it is a national milestone. The digital divide cannot be solved through infrastructure alone. Access to smart devices must become a norm, not a privilege.
'With MyZaka Flexi, we are placing the tools of participation into the hands of those who need them most in a way that respects their realities- ensuring affordability,' said Flomo.
MyZaka Flexi is first-of-its-kind facility reflects Mascom's strong alignment with national priorities such as the Digital Transformation Agenda, which identify equitable access to digital tools as a pillar of Botswana's development.
The product enables consumers to own a 4G-enabled smartphone in an instant with a 12-month payment plan via MyZaka with zero collateral. MyZaka Flexi also has a 2GB data valid for seven days for three months with amplified applications and no paperwork.
It further tailored for MyZaka customers and supports national digital inclusion efforts.
'We have every intention to scale and evolve this facility. We are kicking off with a plan for over 40,000 devices across the country and with further intention to roll out to over 250,000 devices,' Flomo said.
'Our aspiration is to build a full catalogue of smart phones catering to diverse needs of our customers at affordable terms for the ordinary Batswana.'
Following the launch of MyZaka Flexi Mascom is also committed to investing in digital education, equipping customers not just with devices, but the knowledge to use them safely and productively-from cyber security to financial literacy.