In an effort to capture more of the Zambian market, iStore Zambia says it is in talks with mobile phone operators MTN Zambia, Airtel Zambia and Zamtel to offer products on credit.

iStore Zambia manager Brian Mweemba said most locals view Apple products as being out of reach and simply not affordable, and the current economic situation necessitated allowing people to pay over a longer period of time.

iStore officially opened an outlet in Zambia last month in order to provide local Apple users with service and support.

The Zambian store is currently providing complimentary in-store services, including technical support, software installation and in-store products set ups and training.

"We are in talks with mobile phone operators to try and see if people can pay over a long period of time. As soon as we conclude the talks, the payment service will be unveiled to the public," Mweemba said.

He did not state how the company would secure payments from people purchasing on credit. However, a source at MTN Zambia has said that the company is hoping that mobile phone operators would be collecting the money on its behalf through purchases of airtime by the customers to liquidate the credit.

MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, iPad and iPod are some of the products being sold in the iStore Zambia.

Some of the Apple products in Zambia cost as much as US$2,000, a cost that is far beyond the reach of many locals.

In the next few months, Mweemba said the company will be expanding to the Copperbelt where a feasibility study has already been conducted.