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Credit Direct, vivo Seal Strategic Financing Partnership
Credit Direct, Nigeria’s leading embedded finance company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with vivo. Credit is phone financing with the global smartphone manufacturer. This will significantly expand access to affordable smartphones across Nigeria.
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Flexible Payment Model Removes Cost Barrier
Under the terms of the partnership, customers can purchase a vivo smartphone by paying 20 percent upfront. The remaining balance can be spread over six months, financed by Credit Direct.
The instalment-based model directly addresses the biggest challenge to smartphone ownership in Nigeria. Most consumers lack the capacity to afford full upfront paymenta. The new deal allows customers to manage purchases without straining their monthly income.
Expanding Smartphone Ownership in a High-Demand Market
Nigeria currently has an estimated 120 million smartphone users. Yet, millions remain unconnected due largely to affordability constraints rather than device availability.
By combining Credit Direct’s consumer financing infrastructure with vivo’s growing device portfolio, the partnership is designed to unlock access for a wider segment of the population. Thus, supporting digital inclusion and participation in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Nationwide Retail Reach and Ambitious Growth Targets
Through the agreement, Credit Direct’s customers gain access to vivo’s retail network of over 600 stores across 25 states nationwide.
In its first year, the partnership is targeting sales of more than 200,000 smartphones, reflecting strong confidence in demand for flexible device financing solutions.
Advancing Financial Inclusion Through Embedded Finance
For Credit Direct, the collaboration represents its first formal partnership with vivo Nigeria and a practical extension of its mission to provide financial access to individuals underserved by traditional credit systems.
Commenting on the partnership, Chukwuma Nwanze, Managing Director and CEO of Credit Direct, said the initiative directly addresses the capital gap limiting smartphone adoption and aligns with the company’s goal of making financial solutions universally accessible.
vivo Confident in Credit Direct’s Financing Expertise
Also speaking on the agreement, Toni Liu, CEO of vivo Nigeria, said Credit Direct’s leadership in consumer financing and operational professionalism made it the ideal partner.
He noted that while instalment-based device purchasing had been explored previously, Credit Direct’s infrastructure provides the confidence needed to scale the model successfully.
Driving Digital Inclusion Through Strategic Partnerships
The Credit Direct–vivo partnership underscores how embedded finance and strategic collaborations can accelerate digital inclusion, empower consumers, and strengthen Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
To acquire a vivo smartphone through Credit Direct’s flexible financing visit www.creditdirect.ng/know-your-limit.
