Kigali, 26 June , 2024 – Smart Africa has recently entered into an agreement with KaiOS Technologies, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership focused on accelerating digital innovation and promoting sustainable development across the African continent. This milestone also signifies KaiOS Technologies' official membership into the Pan-African alliance.
Under this collaboration, KaiOS and Smart Africa will combine their expertise, resources, and networks to drive digital inclusion. The partnership aims to ensure that previously unconnected individuals can access essential digital services like messaging, news, entertainment, and education through affordable and reliable KaiOS-powered smart feature phones with internet access. Furthermore, the partnership seeks to support businesses by distributing affordable merchant payment terminals leveraging KaiOS smart feature phone technologies, thereby enabling underserved merchants to accept digital payments and efficiently manage their businesses.
In addition, the partnership aims to work closely with governments to offer advice to member states and collaborate with existing digital inclusion programs to expedite ongoing initiatives. This endeavor will involve interacting with local communities and stakeholders to customize solutions according to specific requirements. The primary focus will be on providing popular social media applications, educational materials, training programs, and connected agricultural support to farmers, offering them access to essential agricultural information such as weather forecasts, pest and disease management, and market prices. This will empower them to make well-informed decisions, ultimately leading to improved crop yields and profitability.
Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, commented:
"Enhancing access to smart devices is pivotal for driving digital transformation. Without them, individuals are left disconnected from the opportunities presented by the digital realm. Therefore, we welcome KaiOS as a new member to support our efforts in tackling the barriers of access and affordability, ensuring inclusivity and empowerment for all."
Dale Strydom, Business Development Director MEA of KaiOS, said:
"We are excited about this partnership as this aims to reduce the digital divide by providing internet-enabled smart feature phones, addressing 2G to 4G migration challenges, and offering access to social, educational, agricultural, and mobile money . Our motto, ‘Enable Tomorrow,’ highlights our commitment to empowering people with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Together, we aim to improve education, healthcare, and economic opportunities across Africa."
About Smart Africa:
Smart Africa is an alliance of African countries, international organizations, and global private sector players tasked with advancing Africa’s digital agenda. Empowered by a bold and innovative commitment from African Heads of State, the alliance aims to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development on the continent and usher Africa into the knowledge economy through affordable access to broadband and the use of ICTs. With a vision to create a single digital market in Africa by 2030, Smart Africa brings together Heads of State to accelerate the digitalization of the continent and create a common market. Launched in 2013 by seven African Heads of State, the alliance now has 40 member countries, representing over 1 billion people and over 50 private sector members committed to the vision and advancement of Africa.
Source: smartafrica