Kampala, Uganda – In a bold step toward expanding access to essential financial and health services, M-KOPA, a leading fintech platform, has joined forces with insurtech innovator Turaco to launch the “More Than a Phone” campaign. This initiative integrates vital services including medical insurance, screen repair, microloans, and daily data access into the purchase of a smartphone, creating a safety net for underserved, low-income earners.
The partnership aims to address the pressing financial vulnerabilities faced by many informal workers, individuals who often lack savings or access to traditional insurance—by offering a simple yet powerful solution bundled with technology they already rely on.
“Many of our customers are daily earners who face very real challenges. A hospital bill or a broken phone screen can derail their progress overnight,” said Brendah Nambalirwa Tzadok, M-KOPA’s General Manager for Uganda. “This is more than a phone—it’s a lifeline that brings peace of mind, productivity, and protection.”
A Smartphone That Comes With a Safety Net
Through the “More Than a Phone” campaign, M-KOPA customers will receive a bundle of four impactful benefits when purchasing a smartphone:
- Hospital Cash Cover – Up to UGX 750,000 in inpatient coverage through Turaco, offering a daily cash payout for each night spent in the hospital (up to 30 nights), helping offset the financial stress of illness or injury.
- Free Screen Repair – One complimentary screen repair during the loan term, acknowledging that a damaged phone can hinder daily income, especially for users who depend on their devices for work.
- Access to Microloans – Fast, flexible loans to support emergencies, business needs, or everyday expenses—directly accessible via the smartphone.
- Daily Data Access – 50MB of free data daily for one year, provided through partnerships with Airtel and MTN, ensuring continued internet connectivity for work, communication, and learning.
Making Insurance Inclusive
Turaco, a microinsurance provider focused on affordable, tech-enabled coverage, is central to the campaign’s goal of inclusivity.
“There’s a false narrative that insurance is only for the wealthy,” said Adrico Romeo, Head of Partnerships at Turaco. “Through innovation, we’re making it accessible to the market woman, the boda boda rider—everyone who needs a cushion when life throws the unexpected.”
Turaco’s digital-first model allows for quick onboarding, seamless claims processing, and extremely low premiums, ensuring products are not only affordable but designed for people in the informal economy.
A New Model for Financial Resilience
“More Than a Phone” represents a new frontier in embedded financial services—where smartphones become vehicles for real, tangible support.
“We asked ourselves: how do we reach the everyday person?. This product is the answer. It’s built for impact ” he emphasized
By integrating technology, insurance, and financial services, M-KOPA and Turaco are creating a powerful blueprint for inclusive growth—one that empowers customers to stay connected, stay covered, and stay in control of their financial future.
