Mobile as a Means to Electrification in Uganda

This research study investigates a proposed model using mobile phones as an accelerator for solar adoption in Uganda. Sixty-five percent of Uganda is non-electrified, and 72% of people are unbanked. Due to the lack of financial infrastructure and banking history, banks are not able to predict default loan behaviors. In an attempt to scale solar adoption, we propose a USSD model for users to receive energy loan approvals based on mobile financial history. The research involves a mix-method qualitative approach with 36 users to evaluate the following objectives: 1) user’s ability to understand and consent to a “mobile credit check” for loan approval 2) perception of variable loan discounts for those with good credit and 3) how the USSD model will fit in the broader solar environment.

• Human-Computer Interaction and Visualization

• Mobile Systems