Smartphones have become indispensable tools for small business owners in today’s digital age. And in a country like Nigeria, where entrepreneurship is on the rise, M-KOPA phones have emerged as a game-changer for small business owners.
By making smartphones affordable through flexible payment plans, M-KOPA empowers small business owners to harness technology for growth.
In this article, we share 5 ways our customers in Nigeria use M-KOPA phones to grow their businesses.
How Nigerian Business Owners Are Using M-KOPA Phones
1. To improve communication and sales
Effective communication is vital for any business. Across Africa, WhatsApp has become one of the biggest marketplaces for small businesses. And M-KOPA phones are helping business owners stay active, responsive, and visible.
Case Study: Ilesanmi Samuel
“As a fashion designer, I greatly appreciate the reliability and transparency of M-KOPA. I have purchased three devices through their platform, starting with the Samsung A11, and I’m currently using the Samsung A06. The device has been instrumental in supporting my business operations. It allows me to research trending fashion styles, watch design tutorials, and communicate with my clients via WhatsApp—especially when they ask for style suggestions. M-KOPA has made it easier for me to manage and grow my business efficiently.”
2. To manage orders and payments
It is easy to lose track of business when you don’t have a way to record your sales or show proof of your stock. M-KOPA phones allow you to use photos and digital transfers to manage your business better.
Case Study: Esther Adebisi
“My name is Esther Adebisi, and I sell fruits by the roadside. Additionally, I make and sell snacks at different nursery and primary schools. Before discovering M-KOPA, I used an Itel phone that wasn't digital. Whenever I traveled to purchase fruits from my vendor and brought them back to the city to sell, I often found some of the fruits spoiled. Without a camera to snap pictures as proof, I couldn't seek refunds or replacements from my vendor, resulting in significant losses. The situation worsened when my vendor stopped accepting cash payments and insisted on cashless transactions.
Things changed when I met an M-KOPA agent who introduced me to the M-KOPA phone with its enticing daily and weekly payment plans. The offer was perfect, and I took it immediately. Since I started using my Samsung M-KOPA phone, my business has transformed. I can now take clear pictures and videos of any defective fruits and send them to my vendor. This has significantly reduced my losses, as I can now get replacements during my next visit.
I can also make payments easily to my vendor and receive payments from my customers. Additionally, the phone has improved my communication with the schools where I sell my snacks. I can send pictures of my snacks to school administrators for approval, which has helped expand my business. I have always been a hard worker, but the M-KOPA phone has made my business and life much easier.”
3. To advertise products on social media
Social media is now one of the best ways to grow a small business. With a smartphone, you don't have to wait for people to walk past your shop; you can post photos of your goods online and find customers far away from your neighbourhood. M-KOPA phones make it easy for any business owner to get on the internet and start selling to more people.
Case Study: Adeola Adeeko
“I'm a trader (selling clothes), and I have a POS business. I needed a phone, when my Infinix 12 got faulty in 2023 and I could not afford to buy one at that time. My phone is my shop, where I post new clothes whenever I restock. Social media is where I show and post my business, especially TikTok as I use my posts on social media to retain old customers and get new customers. I also have a POS (Point of Sale) business but I could not afford to get a physical shop for it.
I told my mom about my phone issue, and with her assistance, I was able to get a M-KOPA’s Samsung A12. The payment plan is flexible, and I was and still can work with it. I also bought another phone, a Samsung A05. Since I started using M-KOPA phones, my brand has grown, and I can save up to get a shop, of which I have started looking for a good location. Also, paying my bills and taking care of my mom has become easier.”
4. To coordinate deliveries and customer service on the go
In Nigeria, nobody likes to wait, and if you are too slow, customers will go somewhere else. But with an M-KOPA phone, you can reply to messages immediately, confirm payments as soon as they are made, and check in on customers after they buy to make sure they are happy.
Case Study: Funke Odufuwa
“I sell wine and drinks. In 2023 when cash availability became an issue, I lost quite a large number of customers because I didn't have an Android phone to send and receive payments. RealiSing the impact this was having on my business, I knew I had to save up to buy a good phone. When I heard about M-KOPA, I quickly jumped on the opportunity.
Now, with my new phone, my business has transformed. I can easily send and receive payments via bank transfers. Additionally, I can post pictures of my wine and their prices on my WhatsApp Business account. People can easily see what I have in stock and book me to supply drinks for their parties and ceremonies. This new capability has really helped my business grow.
I’ve also been able to reach more customers than ever before, and improve my overall customer service. I can quickly respond to inquiries, confirm orders, and update my inventory on the go. The increased efficiency has led to higher customer satisfaction and more repeat business. In fact, many of my customers have complimented me on how convenient it is to do business with me now.”
5. To manage staff and administrative tasks digitally
With the right smartphone, like an M-KOPA phone, business owners can go beyond just selling and messaging online. They can also make paperwork and record-keeping easier, improve communication with staff and parents, and run daily operations more efficiently. In sectors like education, for example, your phone becomes your mobile office, literally.
Case Study: Paul Temitope Damilola
“As an educator and the proprietor of Divine Grace International Kiddies College in Lagos, I have always believed in the power of technology. My dream has been to digitaliSe my school, ensuring it meets the highest standards of modern education. Before I got my M-KOPA phone, I used an old Nokia phone. While it served me well for basic communication, it couldn't handle the workload necessary for running a digitalized school.
The introduction to M-KOPA was a game-changer. It allowed me to own my dream phone without stretching my finances. The flexible daily and weekly payment plans made it possible to acquire a Samsung A05s, which helped me keep up with my professional demands and perform a multitude of tasks that were previously challenging.
These include onboarding new students, collating students’ reports digitally and sending directly to their parents, managing my staff, co-ordinating online meetings, staff training sessions, and remote learning for students, as well as running marketing campaigns to attract new students.
The M-KOPA Samsung A05s has made it possible to bring my vision of a digitaliSed school to life without compromising my financial stability. I am grateful for the opportunity to use such an efficient phone to support my professional endeavours.”
Want to Grow Your Business Too?
It is evident from our customer testimonials that M-KOPA phones are powerful tools that enable small business owners in Nigeria to grow and thrive. From enhancing communication to facilitating administrative tasks, these smartphones empower entrepreneurs to leverage technology for their benefit.
If you're ready to take your business to the next level, see phone options with M-KOPA today!
.jpg)
.svg)
