Smart Africa and KaiOS Technologies partner to provide affordable smart feature phone devices to drive digital payment acceptance across Africa’s informal economy.
Kigali, Rwanda, 11th November 2024 – Smart Africa and KaiOS Technologies are excited to unveil a transformative partnership designed to bring affordable digital payment acceptance devices to Africa’s informal economy. This initiative aims to enhance digital and financial inclusion across member states by providing underserved communities with accessible digital tools, reinforcing Smart Africa’s goal of fostering digital transformation throughout the continent. Through this collaboration, both organizations strive to narrow the digital divide, empowering informal merchants to accept digital payments and engage in Africa’s burgeoning cashless economy.
The KaiOS Digital Payment Acceptance Device leverages the familiar form factor of a smart feature phone, already trusted by millions of users worldwide. This innovative solution addresses the unique challenges faced by underserved merchants, combining traditional (like card payments) and alternative payment options (such as mobile money) all in one device. Additionally, by integrating NFC-enabled technology, these devices cater to specific needs such as bus or taxi fare payments, paving the way for a seamless and cashless public transport system. This shift towards digitized transportation not only enhances convenience but also mitigates the risks associated with cash transactions.
One of the key highlights of this solution is KaiOS’s unique device-locking technology, which facilitates a flexible financing model. Merchants can get the device with a minimal initial deposit—lower than the cost of a basic feature phone—followed by affordable weekly or monthly payments. This method significantly enhances the accessibility of digital payment capabilities, enabling merchants to embrace the technology without the burden of a hefty upfront cost. It ensures affordability and promotes financial inclusion for those operating within Africa’s informal economy.
“We are excited about this significant step towards digital inclusion,” remarked Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa. “With a large portion of Africa’s population still dependent on feature phones due to financial constraints, this solution, among others, guarantees that merchants in the informal economy can keep pace. It not only equips them with a strong platform for digital payments but also empowers them to engage in the evolving digital economy through a device they already know and use.”
“This collaboration with Smart Africa solidifies our mutual devotion to enhancing digital and financial inclusion,” added Dale Strydom, Business Development Director at KaiOS. “By pooling our resources and expertise, we aim to create a substantial impact on digital and financial empowerment, making digital services accessible to countless businesses that have previously been left out of the expanding digital economy.”
About Smart Africa
Smart Africa is a collaborative initiative involving African nations, international organizations, and key players from the global private sector, focused on promoting the continent’s digital transformation. Driven by a strong and innovative commitment from African Heads of State, this alliance seeks to enhance sustainable socio-economic growth and propel Africa into the knowledge economy by ensuring affordable access to broadband and the utilization of ICTs. With an ambitious goal of establishing a single digital market in Africa by 2030, Smart Africa unites member countries to fast-track the continent's digitalization and create a cohesive market. Established in 2013 by seven visionary Heads of State, the alliance has now expanded to include 40 member countries, representing over 1 billion people. It also boasts more than 50 private sector members dedicated to realizing and advancing Africa’s digital future.
About KaiOS Technologies
KaiOS Technologies, founded in 2017, made its debut in the African market with affordable smart feature phones in 2018, quickly establishing a strong presence in emerging economies. We are committed to promoting digital inclusion, especially in regions like Africa and South Asia, where internet access can change lives. Central to our mission is the Kai Operating System (KaiOS) and KaiStore, an app ecosystem that allows users to connect with popular applications such as Google, YouTube, and Facebook on budget-friendly devices.
With over 175 million devices powered by KaiOS shipped globally, we strive to bridge the digital divide by ensuring digital services are both affordable and accessible. Our smart feature phones carve out a distinct market, offering reliable connectivity and essential app access without the hefty price tag often associated with traditional smartphones.
Source: smartafrica