MasterCard
KaiOS Technologies, a leading operating system that brings the internet to affordable devices, announced a collaboration with Mastercard to integrate a range of digital payments solutions.
According to the announcement made on September 27th, 2024 , Mastercard and KaiOS Technologies will deliver affordable payment acceptance devices to stimulate the growth of a more inclusive, connected global economy begining in Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.
“At KaiOS Technologies, our mission is to connect underserved communities with the digital world. By bringing Mastercard’s secure payment technology to affordable internet phones running KaiOS, we’re unlocking new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, allowing them to participate in modern commerce more fully. This innovation brings down the barriers and enables an affordable consumer device to become a powerful business tool,” said Sebastien Codeville, chief executive officer of KaiOS Technologies.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) – especially in developing markets – still struggle to adopt digital payments, from the expenses linked to traditional payment acceptance terminals to technical implementation challenges. This, in turn, makes it harder for these businesses to meaningfully participate in the digital economy and limits inclusive growth.
“Whether it’s a micro-merchant in Cote d’Ivoire to an enterprise in Indonesia, our goal is to make it as easy for merchants to accept digital payments as it is for consumers to make them. We’re looking forward to working closely with KaiOS Technologies to bring the best of our technology, scale, and expertise together to drive growth for emerging markets around the world,”said Jorn Lambert, chief product officer at Mastercard.
KaiOS Technologies and Mastercard are collaborating to help millions of SMEs globally accept digital payments using KaiOS devices. Even the smallest businesses will be able to use their low-cost devices to accept payments safely and easily via Mastercard QR, Mobile Point-of-Sale solutions and Tap & Go contactless payments technology.
Signing up is simple. Business owners can use their KaiOS-powered phone to enroll. After entering their registered credentials and authenticating via a one-time password, SMEs can then access and use a variety of digital payment options.
This announcement strengthens the alliance between Mastercard and KaiOS Technologies as the operating system continues to grow. Today, KaiOS Technologies works with major carriers, mobile network operators, and mobile phone manufacturers in emerging regions, with plans to expand to include acquiring banks, payment facilitators, fintechs and more. Previously, KaiOS Technologies joined Mastercard’s award-winning startup engagement program, Start Path, to embed a range of payment solutions to foster digital inclusion.
“Acceptance fuels a successful digital economy, so it’s critical that we meet people where they are today and move them forward together,” added Lambert.
As part of this extended collaboration, Mastercard and KaiOS Technologies will focus on African markets first, collaborating with partners like Touch and Pay Technologies (TAP) and Wizzit to extend access to in-market merchants.
