Mastercard and KaiOS partner to simplify acceptance for millions of SMEs in emerging markets

KaiOS's affordable smart-feature phones will leverage Mastercard’s payment technology and global network, driving acceptance and supporting the growth of the digital economy 

KaiOS, the leading operating system that brings the best of the internet to affordable devices, today announced a partnership with Mastercard to integrate a range of digital payments solutions. Beginning in Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria, Mastercard and KaiOS will deliver affordable payment acceptance devices and stimulate the growth of a more inclusive, connected global economy. 

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.  

KaiOS and Mastercard are partnering 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 Pay by Link, with Tap & Go contactless payments technology in the near future. 

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 immediately use a variety of digital payment options. 

“Acceptance fuels a successful digital economy, so it’s critical that we meet people where they are today and move them forward together,” said Jorn Lambert, chief product officer at Mastercard. “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 to bring the best of our technology, scale, and expertise together to drive growth for emerging markets around the world.” 

"At KaiOS, 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.  

This announcement strengthens the partnership between Mastercard and KaiOS as the operating system continues to grow. Today, KaiOS works with all 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 joined Mastercard’s award-winning startup engagement program, Start Path, to embed a range of payment solutions to foster digital inclusion.  

As part of this extended collaboration, Mastercard and KaiOS will focus on African markets first, collaborating with partners like Touch and Pay Technologies (TAP) and Wizzit to extend access to in-market merchants.  

Hear from our partners: 

"At TAP, we are always looking for innovative solutions that enhance the accessibility and convenience of financial services for underserved populations. Our partnership with KaiOS and Mastercard is a game-changer for our existing and new customers, particularly in emerging markets,” said Olamide Afolabi, chief executive officer of TAP. “By integrating KaiOS into our platform, we’re enabling millions of users with feature phones to access seamless digital payment solutions and financial services that were previously out of reach. This partnership is a vital step in furthering our mission to drive financial inclusion and empower communities through technology." 

"Wizzit is excited to join forces with KaiOS and Mastercard to expand secure payment acceptance solutions across Africa and beyond,” said Dirk Bruynse, chief operating officer of Wizzit. “This partnership will enable us to scale our switching capabilities and deliver innovative payment solutions that cater to the evolving needs of businesses of all sizes. We are confident that this collaboration will set new benchmarks for efficiency and drive greater financial inclusion."