← Embedded Finance Index 2026

SapphireCredit

Can bundled device + solar + payday lending, backed by smart-lock repossession tech and retail distribution, unlock consumer credit for underbanked Nigerian consumers?

Founded2009
HQLagos, Nigeria
IndustryFintech / Lending
The story

Sapphire Virtual Networks began as a Nigerian technology-enabled financial services company and evolved into a multi-product digital lender operating under the SapphireCredit brand. Its distinctive angle is bundling device financing with device-based smart-locking (a repossession-lite credit recovery method), device protection insurance, salary-backed payday loans, and solar asset financing under one brand. The company positions itself as a technology enabler working with licensed financial institutions, insurers, telcos, OEMs, and 450+ retail partners like SLOT — not as a direct lender or insurer of record.

Last 12 months
Product timeline
2009
Sapphire Virtual Networks Limited founded in Nigeria as a technology-enabled financial solutions provider.· founding
2021
Expanded digital lending footprint with device financing, solar financing, and payday loan products under the SapphireCredit brand.· lending
2025
Operating 450+ retail outlets and partnerships with telcos/OEMs; scaling beyond Nigeria with UK office footprint.· expansion
The stack
1 layer disclosed in SapphireCredit’s embedded-finance stack
Lending
SapphireCredit (in-house)Device FinancingSolar FinancingPayday LoansCredit Flex (salary loans up to ₦500,000)B2B Retail Financing
Accounting gap: none