Telecom
Mastercard, KaiOS Technologies Partner to Democratize Digital Payment for millions of SMEs

KaiOS Technologies, a leading operating system that brings the best of the internet to affordable devices, today announced a collaboration with Mastercard to integrate a range of digital payments solutions.
Beginning in Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria, Mastercard and KaiOS Technologies will deliver affordable payment acceptance devices and stimulate the growth of a more inclusive, connected global economy.
Beginning in Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria, Mastercard and KaiOS Technologies 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.
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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.
“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 Technologies to bring the best of our technology, scale, and expertise together to drive growth for emerging markets around the world.”
“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.
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.
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.
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.”
Read Also: Meet 2024 winners of Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards
“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.”
Telecom
Nigeria to Receive $3Bn Telecoms Infrastructure in June – Minister

Nigeria is set to receive telecommunications equipment and fibre optic infrastructure worth $3 billion in June 2025, according to Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Speaking during a panel session at the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) organised by the World Bank, Tijani revealed that the equipment valued at $1 billion was expected to arrive in the country by mid-2025.
He added that an additional $2 billion worth of fibre optic cables would soon be delivered to boost Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure.
According to him, the initiative aims to significantly enhance communication services across the country and bridge the connectivity gap.
Tijani also noted that a pilot phase targeting over 20 million Nigerians who currently lack access to any form of telecommunications would soon be launched.
The Nigeria Development Update (NDU) is a bi-annual World Bank report that assesses the country’s recent economic and social developments, policy directions, and provides recommendations to address emerging challenges.
Telecom
Legend Internet Debuts Nigeria’s First Fibre-to-the-room Service

Legend Internet Plc has launched FTTR by Legend — Nigeria’s first Fibre-to-the-Room (FTTR) service, redefining the standard for broadband connectivity across homes and businesses.
“Being listed on NGX is just the beginning, With FTTR by Legend, we are building the infrastructure of the future, today — not just to improve connectivity, but to transform how people live, work, and create”, said Aisha Abdulaziz, CEO of Legend Internet Plc.
This groundbreaking innovation was deployed by Legend, with strategic technology support from global telecommunications leader- Huawei. The result is a seamless digital experience that meets the demands of modern living.
The launch of FTTR follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Legend Internet and Huawei Technologies.
“Our collaboration with Huawei reflects our commitment to global standards and local innovation. Unlike traditional broadband that stops at the router, FTTR by Legend brings pure fibre into every room, offering zero lag, full-house coverage, and the performance needed for smart homes, remote work, creators, and tech-forward enterprises.
The collaboration is aimed at accelerating broadband infrastructure development, enhancing local capacity, and positioning Nigeria as a digital leader in Africa. Huawei brings decades of R&D in fibre optic and smart home technology to support Legend in deploying this state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Coming on the heels of its recent listing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited(NGX), Legend Internet PLC shows no signs of slowing down. The company is celebrating its public debut with a landmark product — one that delivers ultra-high-speed fibre into every room of a building, enabling uninterrupted, gigabit-speed internet at all times.
Legend Internet’s entry into fibre-to-the-room solutions is part of a broader ambition to close the digital divide in Nigeria. While FTTR by Legend is currently being offered exclusively to high-end residences, the company plans to scale and democratize access through complementary solutions over time. This aligns with Legend’s dual-market approach.
In broadband, Legend leverages fibre optics to deliver ultra-high-speed internet directly to consumers, with a focus on reliability, speed, and innovation. In fintech, the company is expanding last-mile payment infrastructure and delivering secure, scalable tools including wallets, merchant solutions, and digital financial platforms for everyday use.
Legend’s mission is clear: to power Nigeria’s digital future — through cutting-edge technology, bold thinking, and local-first execution.
Telecom
NASENI Commends President Tinubu’s Push for Local Industry Growth

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” describing it as a bold step toward accelerating Nigeria’s industrial revolution and economic growth.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, commended the policy’s prioritization of locally made goods and indigenous solutions in government procurement.
He said the directive would empower local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and technology innovators by giving them the necessary support to thrive.
“With Mr. President’s directive to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to revise and enforce guidelines in favor of local suppliers, we anticipate a significant increase in patronage of Nigerian-made products,” Mr. Halilu said.
“Government is a major buyer of goods and services, and this move will translate into increased demand across key sectors.”
Describing the policy as “forward-thinking and revolutionary,” Mr. Halilu noted that NASENI has long championed local content through its own initiatives.
He highlighted products developed by the agency, ranging from Nigerian-assembled vehicles and energy systems to smart irrigation tools and electronic devices, as evidence of the quality and competitiveness of local manufacturing.
He further referenced NASENI’s ongoing Made-in-Nigeria Strategic Focus Group meetings held across the country, aimed at driving awareness and understanding of consumer attitudes toward local products.
These forums bring together experts, regulators, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors to identify challenges and promote solutions for increasing local patronage.
“We are determined to be at the forefront of implementing the President’s vision,” Mr. Halilu stated. “But this is also a call to action for local producers.
“It is not enough to enjoy policy support, quality and standards must never be compromised.
“We must deliver products that compete favourably with imports and meet the needs of Nigerian consumers.”
NASENI, mandated to develop Nigeria’s science and engineering infrastructure, has been engaging stakeholders across states including Katsina, Lagos, Anambra, Delta, Kano, Kaduna, and Ogun to boost innovation, address manufacturing challenges, and encourage the adoption of homegrown solutions.
President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy” directs the BPP to implement procurement reforms that prioritize local content and maintain a register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.
Mr. Halilu concluded by affirming NASENI’s readiness to lead the charge: “We have seen the capacity and competence of our local manufacturers.
“They are ready. With the right support, we can achieve true industrialization powered by Nigerian solutions.”
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