foodpanda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with itel Pakistan to provide eligible delivery riders with smartphones at zero cost, in a move both companies describe as a shared commitment to digital inclusion and rider welfare. The collaboration is designed to equip foodpanda’s rider network with accessible digital tools that can make their daily shifts smoother and more efficient, addressing a practical gap many riders face in accessing reliable devices for their work.
As part of the partnership, itel Pakistan has introduced the itel Power 80, a smartphone engineered specifically for the demands of life on the road. The device features cushioned corners and a shockproof cage frame designed for durability, along with IP68 and IP69 ratings that make it both waterproof and dustproof. It is also built to withstand drops from up to two metres, a specification aimed at helping the device hold up against the wear and tear that comes with daily use in demanding outdoor work environments. The design choices reflect an effort to build a device around the specific conditions riders encounter rather than adapting a general consumer smartphone for the role.
foodpanda described the collaboration as another step in its ongoing effort to support its rider community, noting that partnering with technology brands such as itel Pakistan allows it to invest in practical solutions that address real gaps in digital access. The company said the initiative is intended to directly improve the everyday experience of its delivery partners by giving them dependable tools built for the nature of their work, rather than leaving riders to rely on personal devices that may not be suited to the job.
The partnership adds to a broader pattern of collaboration between logistics and technology companies in Pakistan aimed at improving working conditions for gig economy workers, particularly those in delivery and ride hailing services who depend heavily on smartphones for navigation, order management, and communication throughout their shifts. By tying rider welfare directly to device access, the foodpanda and itel Pakistan partnership signals a growing recognition among platform companies that reliable digital tools are now a core part of supporting frontline workers rather than a secondary consideration.
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