KaiOS, the operating system that brings the best of the internet to affordable devices, announced a partnership with Mastercard (NYSE: MA) to integrate a range of digital payments solutions.
Mastercard and KaiOS explained in a blog post that they will aim to 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.”
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 startup engagement program, Start Path, to “embed a range of payment solutions to foster digital inclusion.”
KaiOS Technologies powers an emerging ecosystem “of affordable digital products and services.”
Its flagship product, KaiOS, is the leading mobile operating system “for smart feature phones with more than 175 million devices shipped across 150 countries.”
