For university students nearing the end of their studies, having a laptop is no longer a luxury. It has become an essential tool for conducting research, writing dissertations and preparing for the job market. Yet, the cost of a computer remains out of reach for many Malagasy families. In response to this challenge, the DECIM Fund, through its Affordable Digital Devices component, has launched a pilot credit programme to help students purchase laptops.

Implemented by PAOSITRA Finances, a microfinance institution partnering with the DECIM Fund for this pilot, the programme will enable 1,400 Master’s and postgraduate scholarship students at the universities of Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa to purchase a new laptop through a credit facility.

How does it work?

Students pay a 20% down payment when they receive their laptop and repay the remaining balance over 12 months, with monthly payments starting at 75,000 ariary. PAOSITRA Finances covers all application and processing fees. Each laptop comes with a one-year warranty and after-sales service.

Two laptop options are available: a standard range and a more powerful range designed for students in scientific fields whose software requires higher-performance equipment.
Registration takes place directly on campus. Information sessions first introduce students to the programme and its eligibility criteria, followed by mobile PAOSITRA Finances booths where students can receive support in preparing their applications. Once the agreement is signed, the laptop is handed over on site, with a PAOSITRA Finances agent providing monthly follow-up throughout the repayment period.

A pilot phase before scaling up

Running for four months, this initial phase will allow the DECIM Fund to test the mechanism under real-life conditions, including enrolment, repayments and warranty arrangements, before considering an expansion to other universities across the country.
The underlying objective is the same as for the Fund’s other components: access to the internet is only meaningful when people have the equipment they need to use it.

The launch ceremony was held at the University of Antananarivo in the presence of RABEARIMANGA Radonirina Lucas, Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons, as well as representatives from the universities of Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa.
The programme is supported by the Malagasy Government and the World Bank Group Madagascar.