KaiOS partners with Mastercard to enable SMEs in emerging markets to accept digital payments via affordable KaiOS-powered devices, starting in Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

KaiOS, the leading operating system that brings internet access to affordable devices, has announced a new partnership with Mastercard to integrate a variety of digital payment solutions

Starting in Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria, the collaboration aims to offer accessible payment acceptance devices, promoting the development of a more inclusive and interconnected global economy.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in developing regions, face challenges when it comes to adopting digital payments, including high costs for traditional payment terminals and technical hurdles. This creates a barrier for these businesses to fully participate in the digital economy, limiting opportunities for inclusive growth.

Transforming business transactions

Through their partnership, KaiOS and Mastercard aim to empower millions of SMEs worldwide to accept digital payments using KaiOS-powered devices. Even the smallest businesses will have the capability to securely and efficiently accept payments via Mastercard QR Pay by Link, with plans to introduce Tap & Go contactless technology in the future.

The onboarding process is straightforward. Business owners simply register using their KaiOS phone, entering their credentials and verifying through a one-time password. Once authenticated, they can immediately access and utilise a range of digital payment services.

Jorn Lambert, Mastercard's chief product officer, commented, "Acceptance fuels a successful digital economy, so it’s critical that we meet people where they are today and move them forward together. 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."

Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies, emphasised, "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."

This partnership further strengthens the relationship between KaiOS and Mastercard as the operating system continues to expand its reach. Currently, KaiOS collaborates with major carriers, mobile network operators, and phone manufacturers in emerging markets, and is planning to broaden its scope to include acquiring banks, fintechs, and payment facilitators. KaiOS was also part of Mastercard's Start Path programme, designed to foster digital inclusion by embedding innovative payment solutions.

The initial focus of the partnership will be on African markets, with Mastercard and KaiOS working alongside local partners like Touch and Pay Technologies (TAP) and Wizzit to bring these solutions to merchants in the region.

Safaricom partners with Mastercard to boost payment acceptance and cross-border remittances in Kenya, benefiting 636,000+ M-PESA merchants. (Image source: Mastercard)

Safaricom has teamed up with Mastercard to boost the adoption of payment acceptance and cross-border remittance services in Kenya

The partnership is set to benefit more than 636,000 merchants utilising M-PESA, Safaricom’s flagship mobile money platform.

Transforming Kenya's payments 

As Kenya’s payment acceptance market expands, mobile wallet payments—primarily driven by M-PESA—are projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7% from 2020 to 2024. By leveraging M-PESA’s broad merchant network and Mastercard’s global payment infrastructure, the partnership will offer merchants more seamless, secure, and scalable payment solutions, enabling them to cater to customers in international markets. The collaboration will also strengthen remittance services by streamlining cross-border transactions.

“We are proud to partner with Safaricom to build an inclusive digital economy that works for everyone, everywhere. We will enable the merchants to grow and contribute to the Kenyan economy,” commented Amnah Ajmal, executive vice-president, EEMEA, Mastercard.

By integrating Mastercard’s omnichannel acceptance solutions across the M-PESA merchant ecosystem, the partnership aims to scale digital payments throughout Kenya. Additionally, Safaricom’s integration of Mastercard’s infrastructure will enhance cross-border money transfers, providing faster and more dependable transactions, while empowering merchants to accept digital payments more effectively.

“This collaboration with Mastercard unlocks new opportunities for M-PESA merchants, aligning with our mission to deliver innovative, customer-centric products. By combining our expertise with Mastercard’s global acceptance network, we are enabling businesses to provide more efficient and frictionless payment solutions to their customers, both in Kenya and beyond,” stated Esther Waititu, chief financial services officer at Safaricom Plc.

Both Safaricom and Mastercard are dedicated to driving innovation and financial inclusion within Kenya’s evolving digital landscape. The first initiatives are expected to launch in the upcoming months, supporting Safaricom’s goal of securing its acquiring license and offering merchants advanced digital payment solutions.