Sun King, a global leader in off-grid solar energy, has officially expanded its “Pay-As-You-Go” (PayGo) ecosystem in Nigeria to include smartphones. By leveraging the same flexible payment model that helped millions access solar power, the company aims to dismantle the high upfront cost barrier that prevents many Nigerians from participating in the digital economy.
The initiative is now active across all 36 states and the FCT, targeting students, small-scale entrepreneurs, and low-income households who require mobile connectivity for education, work, and financial services.
The PayGo Smartphone Model: How It Works
The program follows a simple, deposit-based structure designed to fit the irregular income patterns of many Nigerian workers:
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Low Entry Barrier: Customers gain immediate possession of a premium device after paying a small initial deposit.
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Flexible Installments: The remaining balance is spread over a set period, with payments made in affordable daily or weekly increments.
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Brand Variety: The catalog includes popular, high-performance models such as the Samsung A06, Infinix Smart 10, Tecno Pop 10, and Infinix Hot 60i.
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Rapid Onboarding: Sign-ups are processed via Sun King’s massive network of community agents, often allowing customers to walk away with a functional phone on the same day.
Bridging the Digital Divide
For many in underserved communities, a smartphone is not just a communication tool; it is the primary gateway to the internet for job hunting, digital banking, and healthcare access. Omoyemi Tuga, Sun King’s VP of Pay-As-You-Go Sales, emphasized that the goal is to make staying connected as easy as keeping the lights on.
Key Impacts of the Initiative:
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Financial Inclusion: Integrating mobile money into the payment process encourages users to adopt digital financial tools.
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Entrepreneurship: Small business owners can manage inventory and digital payments without the strain of a major one-off capital expense.
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Educational Access: Students can access online learning platforms and research tools that were previously out of reach due to hardware costs.
A Nationwide Reach
By utilizing its existing distribution network—built over years of selling solar home systems—Sun King is uniquely positioned to reach rural and peri-urban areas where traditional electronics retailers may not operate. This cross-sector expansion from energy to connectivity reinforces Sun King’s position as a vital enabler of inclusive growth in Nigeria.
