A key aspect of M-KOPA’s model is providing credit access to underserved populations. By leveraging AI-driven analytics and a “pay-as-you-go” system, the company enables customers to access high-quality smartphones with a small deposit and flexible daily repayments.
In its 2025 Impact Report, the Pan-African fintech company M-KOPA highlighted significant growth in Nigeria, reporting that it has deployed ₦231 billion ($1.1 billion) in credit to over one million Nigerians. This achievement underscores the company’s role in promoting financial inclusion for “Every Day Earners”—largely self-employed individuals in the informal sector who are often excluded from traditional banking systems due to a lack of formal credit history or collateral.
A key aspect of M-KOPA’s model is providing credit access to underserved populations. By leveraging AI-driven analytics and a “pay-as-you-go” system, the company enables customers to access high-quality smartphones with a small deposit and flexible daily repayments. This approach has helped bridge the gap for individuals who previously lacked access to formal financial products.
For many Nigerians, M-KOPA serves as their first entry into the formal financial system. A recent impact survey found that 38% of customers—and 43% of women—reported that their M-KOPA digital loan was their first ever formal loan. This gateway to formal finance has significant implications for financial literacy and economic empowerment in the region.
Gender inclusion has also been a strategic priority for M-KOPA. Women now account for 40% of its active customer base, with testimonials from local entrepreneurs, such as Suliyat, a rice seller in Nigeria, illustrating how access to credit has enabled them to expand their businesses and better manage household expenses.
Beyond direct credit provision, M-KOPA supports a broader economic ecosystem by employing approximately 35,000 sales agents across its markets. This network provides livelihood opportunities for young people and contributes to regional economic growth.
The ₦231 billion milestone in Nigeria forms part of M-KOPA’s larger impact across Africa. Since its inception, the company has reached over 7 million customers and disbursed a cumulative $2 billion in credit across five markets. Looking ahead, M-KOPA aims to expand its reach to 10 million active customers by 2030, continuing its mission to drive financial inclusion and economic empowerment across the continent.
