Awards

KaiOS Named Finalist in the 2024 Global FinTech Hackcelerator

By KaiOS Marketing Team •

KaiOS Technologies is proud to be recognized as a finalist for the 2024 Global FinTech Hackcelerator and FinTech Excellence Awards, hosted by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This honor acknowledges KaiOS’s innovative approach to delivering affordable mobile solutions that empower communities worldwide.

With over 175 million devices worldwide, KaiOS is pioneering affordable digital access through feature phones equipped with our lightweight operating system. We takes this a step further by presenting a gamified financial literacy platform. It provides users with personalized, interactive learning experiences that build essential financial skills while offering real rewards through a “learn-to-earn” model. Users accumulate points that can be converted into coins with monetary value, which can then be saved or reinvested in financial services.

Our initiative also bridges the gap for those who rely on cash by utilizing cash-digital solutions like mobile money agents, making financial wellness an achievable goal for all.

Read more at https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2024/mas-announces-finalists-for-the-2024-global-fintech-hackcelerator-and-fintech-excellence-awards

Partnership news

KaiOS and Mastercard: How a low-cost phone can change the equation for millions of African entrepreneurs

By KaiOS Marketing Team •

KaiOS and Mastercard are joining forces to bridge the digital finance gap for entrepreneurs in Africa, starting with Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria. This partnership is focused on delivering a low-cost, mobile-based digital payment solution that empowers small business owners to process transactions, manage finances, and grow their enterprises—all on an affordable device. For millions of entrepreneurs across the continent, digital tools have the potential to transform how they operate, increase access to customers, and ultimately boost their economic impact.

Through KaiOS’s smart feature phones, loaded with essential apps and functionalities, and Mastercard’s secure digital payments technology, entrepreneurs can now accept payments seamlessly without needing a high-end smartphone or costly infrastructure. This accessibility opens new doors for business owners in remote or underserved areas who previously lacked digital solutions for managing their operations. The partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to financial inclusion, highlighting how technology can drive meaningful change on a local level.

With the initial rollout in Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, KaiOS and Mastercard aim to provide broader access to tools that were once out of reach, leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs. By lowering the barriers to entry, the collaboration not only supports individual business growth but also fosters greater economic resilience across the region.

Learn more about this exciting development and the vision behind it in our CEO’s exclusive interview with Mastercard at https://www.mastercard.com/news/perspectives/2024/smart-enough-how-a-low-cost-phone-can-change-the-equation-for-millions-of-african-entrepreneurs/

Enabling Tomorrow

Celebrating African Women’s Day: KaiOS Empowering Women Through Technology

By KaiOS Marketing Team •

As we commemorate African Women’s Day, dedicated to celebrating the resilience, strength, and contributions of African women, KaiOS stands in solidarity with their unwavering pursuit of progress and empowerment.

Since its inception in 1974, this day has served as a symbol of hope, reminding us of the remarkable achievements of African women across various spheres of life. From pioneering entrepreneurs to groundbreaking scientists, these women have defied societal norms and shattered glass ceilings, paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come. 

At KaiOS, we recognize the immense role that technology plays in empowering women and fostering their economic independence. This is why we are committed to providing accessible and affordable technology solutions that cater to the unique needs of African women. 

Life on KaiOS: A Gateway to Essential Healthcare Information

KaiOS Life app, is a testament to our dedication to women’s empowerment. This app provides a wealth of medical information tailored specifically for women’s health, including menstrual health education and tracking, pregnancy and childbirth information, common women’s health issues and their remedies & nutritional advice for women. 

By providing easy access to this essential information, we aim to empower women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for themselves and their families. 

Empowering Informal Merchant Women

We understand that a significant portion of African women are informal merchants, playing a crucial role in driving local economies. To support these women, we are developing innovative solutions that leverage the power of technology to enhance their business operations. Our initiatives include: 

  • Mobile payment solutions: Enabling secure and convenient transactions for informal merchants
  • Access to microfinance services: Providing access to financial resources to support business growth
  • Communication tools: Helping women reach a wider customer base and promote their products or services

A Collective Commitment to Women’s Empowerment

As we celebrate this 31st of July, we reaffirm our commitment to working alongside African women, empowering them through technology and fostering an environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential.

Together, we can create a future where African women are not only celebrated but also equipped with the tools and resources they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives!

Developer community

Enjoy great games on your KaiOS device!

By Ambre M •

Explore the vast world of Overmobile Games on KaiStore, where you will find a variety of titles. Embark on the iconic MMO RPG, Avengers: Fury. 

Battle alongside thousands of players simultaneously, as you conquer monstrous foes, complete quests, and collect hundreds of items. Enjoy Happy Tower, build new floors, hire the best employees, buy and sell goods, get coins! Discover Titan’s War, an epic online adventure for your smart feature phone where you can improve your skills to fight in arenas. And discover much more game from Overmobile on our KaiStore. 

At KaiOS, we offer a diverse range of games to suit every player from free-to-play games with in-between-level ads, to awesome games with in-app purchases, just like those from Overmobile. These allow you to unlock special items, game currency like crystals and rubies, and even watch rewarded ads for additional benefits!

Overmobile has been developing browser games for over 15 years. The first project was launched in 2008. During this time, they have created several high-quality games, including Avengers and Titans War. These games were successfully released on KaiOS, allowing them to reach a wider audience. 

Here is a taste of what awaits you in Overmobile’ games portfolio;

  • Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs): Team up with friends, forge alliances, and dominate the battlefield in thrilling player-versus-player battles in the game world.
  • Character Customization: Craft the ultimate warrior! Upgrade your skills, gear up, and become an unstoppable force.
  • Large-Scale Battles: Immerse yourself in large-scale battles, epic conflicts alongside your clan and claim victory!

The total number of active users per month exceeds 200,000 worldwide. Be part of them on your KaiOS device! 

http://overmobile.net 

Industry insights

2024 GSMA’s report on gender gap released – Discover how KaiOS empowers women through affordable smart feature phones

By Ambre M •

There is positive news in the fight for digital equality! A recent report by GSMA shows the gender gap in mobile internet use is narrowing. After growing for the last three years, the mobile gender gap has now returned to where it was in 2020. This has shrunk the gap from 19% in 2022 to 15% in 2023. Despite this progress, there is still a significant challenge.  Nearly 785 million women still lack mobile internet access, with most concentrated in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

It is essential to address this issue, not only for digital inclusion but also for economic growth and societal development.

How KaiOS addresses the gender gap challenges? – KaiOS has emerged as a potential solution to bridge the mobile gender gap, with the release of its KaiOS smart feature phone with internet capabilities addressing all these key challenges:

  • Cost of smartphone ownership: One of the significant barriers for women in LMICs is the cost of smartphone ownership. KaiOS-powered devices, commonly referred to as “smart feature phones,” provide affordable alternatives to traditional smartphones. These devices offer functionalities like internet browsing, messaging, and social media apps at a fraction of the cost, making them accessible to a broader demographic.
  • Digital literacy and skills: Another obstacle highlighted in the report is the lack of digital literacy and skills. KaiOS, with its intuitive user interface and simplified applications, is designed to be user-friendly, even for individuals with limited technological experience. Moreover, KaiOS offers resources like preloaded educational content and localized apps that can help users develop digital skills at their own pace.
  • Gender-specific challenges: The report also mentions that women face specific societal and cultural barriers, such as lower literacy rates and restricted mobility. KaiOS can address these challenges by providing access to information and services through mobile phones, thereby empowering women in these communities to engage with digital content and resources independently.
  • People with visual & hearing needs are not left behind: KaiOS devices are designed to be accessible to all users, including those with visual or auditory impairments. The platform offers features such as screen readers and text-to-speech functionality, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can use the devices with ease.

In conclusion: How KaiOS impacts the population and specifically the Women

By addressing these barriers, KaiOS has the potential to narrow the mobile gender gap significantly. Increased access to mobile internet can empower women socially, and educationally. As the world moves towards a more connected future, initiatives like KaiOS can play a vital role in ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender or socio-economic status, can benefit from the opportunities offered by the digital age.

The GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2024

Partnership news

KaiOS collaborates with STMicroelectronics to Bring Mobile Tap&Go for Transit to Emerging Markets

By KaiOS Marketing Team •

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a staggering 2.6 billion people remain unconnected, with 1.4 billion unbanked, predominantly in emerging countries. This disconnect not only excludes them from the digital revolution but also hinders economic development. Addressing this challenge, KaiOS and STMicroelectronics share a common vision. Create and deliver innovative, secure, and connected solutions that:

  • Accelerate the digitalization of both the unconnected population and informal businesses.
  • Contribute to the development of emerging countries by removing the affordability barrier that keeps billions of people and millions of businesses offline. 

To achieve that at scale, the Kai platform is structured around a set of core products. Kai’s first essential product is the Kai Operating System (KaiOS) and the application ecosystem (KaiStore). It has enabled the creation of a new category of products called “smart feature phones”, which provide access to all major apps (such as Google, YouTube and Facebook) at a fraction of the cost of a smartphone. More than 175 million “Smart Feature Phones” have been shipped to date, powered by KaiOS.

With the vision to empower informal drivers through a seamless tap and go experience, KaiOS announces the development of a game-changing solution designed for underserved transport drivers creating an affordable contactless validation system that utilizes STMicroelectronics’ ST54L device integrating an NFC controller and a secure element IC.

ST’s solution enables KaiOS “Smart Feature Phones” to provide secure contactless ticketing services. The ST54L chip can also host other advanced services including access control and an embedded SIM (eSIM). Preloaded with the Thales mobile secure operating system, the ST54L facilitates access to the STPay-Mobile service platform, a solution provided by STMicroelectronics that simplifies the creation of digital wallets.

Driving Change: Affordable Contactless Validation for Transport Use Cases

Informal Transport, a Global Force: Informal transport is a ubiquitous phenomenon that impacts millions of city dwellers globally, especially in developing countries. In Africa alone, it accounts for a staggering 95% of all public transport trips.

Transforming Lives with Smart Feature Phones: This innovative solution leverages the ST54L chip to transform a simple “smart feature phone” into a powerful tool for underserved drivers. By replacing cash-based transactions with contactless validation, KaiOS brings convenience, security, and efficiency to previously underserved communities.

Nigeria Leads the Charge: The first deployment of this technology will take place in Nigeria, in close collaboration with Cowry Card (powered by Touch and Pay) and DevOS. This partnership signifies a major step towards a more modern and inclusive transportation system in the country.

“At STMicroelectronics, we are committed to collaborating on projects such as KaiOS smart feature phones that align with our sustainability goals, providing access to technology in underserved communities,” says Laurent Tricheur, Head of ST’s Marketing & Application | MDRF | Connected Security Division| China.

Visit their Blog!

 

Partnership news

KaiOS technologies and Smart Africa join forces to advance smart internet device initiatives across Africa

By KaiOS Marketing Team •

Kigali, 24 June , 2024 – Smart Africa has signed an agreement with KaiOS Technologies, sparking a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating digital innovation and fostering sustainable development across the African continent. This agreement also marks the official membership of KaiOS Technologies into the Pan-African alliance.

As part of this collaboration, KaiOS and Smart Africa will leverage their combined expertise, resources, and networks to advance digital inclusion. This partnership ensures that previously unconnected citizens gain access to essential digital services such as messaging, news, entertainment, and education through affordable and reliable KaiOS-powered smart feature phones with internet access. The partnership also aims to empower businesses by distributing affordable merchant payment terminals leveraging KaiOS smart feature phone technologies, thereby enabling underserved merchants to accept digital payments and manage their businesses efficiently.

Additionally, the partnership will collaborate with governments to provide guidance to member states, working with existing digital inclusion programs to accelerate current initiatives. This effort will involve engaging with local communities and stakeholders to tailor solutions to specific needs. The focus will be on providing mainstream social media apps, educational resources, training programs, and connected agricultural support to Farmers that will gain access to crucial agricultural information such as weather forecasts, pest and disease management, and market prices. This enables them to make informed decisions, leading to better crop yields and profitability.

Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, commented:

“Enhancing access to smart devices is pivotal for driving digital transformation. Without them, individuals are left disconnected from the opportunities presented by the digital realm. Therefore, we welcome KaiOS as a new member to support our efforts in tackling the barriers of access and affordability, ensuring inclusivity and empowerment for all.”

Dale Strydom, Business Development Director MEA of KaiOS, said:

“We are excited about this partnership as this aims to reduce the digital divide by providing internet-enabled smart feature phones, addressing 2G to 4G migration challenges, and offering access to social, educational, agricultural, and mobile money . Our motto, ‘Enable Tomorrow,’ highlights our commitment to empowering people with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Together, we aim to improve education, healthcare, and economic opportunities across Africa.’’

About Smart Africa:

Smart Africa is an alliance of African countries, international organizations, and global private sector players tasked with advancing Africa’s digital agenda. Empowered by a bold and innovative commitment from African Heads of State, the alliance aims to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development on the continent and usher Africa into the knowledge economy through affordable access to broadband and the use of ICTs. With a vision to create a single digital market in Africa by 2030, Smart Africa brings together Heads of State to accelerate the digitalization of the continent and create a common market. Launched in 2013 by seven African Heads of State, the alliance now has 40 member countries, representing over 1 billion people and over 50 private sector members committed to the vision and advancement of Africa.

For more information, contact:

Yvan Guéhi, Head of Brand and Communications

Smart Africa Secretariat

E-mail: comms@smartafrica.org

Website: www.smartafrica.org

Twitter: @RealSmartAfrica

Facebook: RealSmartAfrica

LinkedIn: Smart Africa

About KaiOS Technologies:

KaiOS is a revolutionary mobile platform that makes the Internet accessible to all. Thanks to its technology and web optimization, cell phones have become affordable. Its mission is to empower people around the world by providing access to essential digital services. KaiOS is not just a gateway to a connected world; it is a catalyst for digital and financial inclusion, enabling the next billion people to discover the opportunities offered by the digital economy.

For more information, contact:

Website: https://www.kaiostech.com

Twitter: @KaiOStech

Facebook: KaiOS Technologies

LinkedIn: KaiOS Technologies, Inc.

Enabling Tomorrow

Celebrating the Day of the African Child with KaiOS!

By Ambre M •

The World Day of the African Child was established in 1991 by the African Union. It commemorates the 1976 Soweto uprising, where South African schoolchildren protested for better education and the right to be taught in their own language.

In this 16th of june, we at KaiOS are thrilled to spotlight our commitment to making education accessible to every child across Africa. This special day reminds us of the incredible potential that lies within every young African and our shared responsibility to provide the tools they need to succeed.

One of our flagship initiatives, Roducate program, stands at the forefront of this mission. Roducate offered an innovative, comprehensive educational platform that brings quality learning materials right to the fingertips of African students, all through our affordable KaiOS-enabled devices. Today, KaiOS continues to collaborate with Roducate to replicate and expand such impactful educational programs.

Aligned with the United Nations’ SDGs 4 and 10, we partnered with Roducate and Lagos State to distribute KaiOS phones in Nigeria during COVID-19, enhancing education continuity. After one academic session, public schools saw a 40% increase in WASSCE pass rates, reaching 79.64%, and achieved the best performance in five years. Digital literacy grew, overcoming social and religious barriers.

Roducate Lite: learning without limits

Roducate is more than just an app; it’s a gateway to a brighter future. With Roducate Lite Books and Reference materials, students can access a vast array of educational content, ensuring they are well-prepared for critical exams and even the Common Entrance exams.

Roducate Lite on KaiOS: https://www.kaiostech.com/store/apps/?bundle_id=com.roducate.roducatelite

Affordable phones, Education for all

At KaiOS, our affordable phones make Roducate’s educational resources accessible to children across Africa. By leveraging technology, we provide education at the touch of a button, breaking barriers and opening new possibilities for millions of young minds. Our vision is clear: education for all, anytime, anywhere.

As we celebrate the Day of the African Child, let’s reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the next generation of African leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Together, we can make education a reality for every child, empowering them to reach their full potential and contribute to a brighter future for Africa.

Happy day of the African Child!

Developer community

Discover Sorted Wallet, the leading crypto app for KaiOS smart feature phones!

By KaiOS Marketing Team •

Sorted Wallet is an utility app that makes crypto accessible for KaiOS affordable phone users worldwide. With more than 70,000 downloads in just over a year, Sorted Wallet is the first and most popular crypto app available on the KaiOS mobile ecosystem. It is available in 10 languages and is constantly adding more languages.

About Sorted Wallet

Launched in 2023, Sorted Wallet is dedicated to democratizing access to cryptocurrency, aiming to provide financial inclusion to smart feature phone users globally. Sorted Wallet simplifies the crypto experience allowing its users to store, send and receive digital assets across the world instantly and securely. Sorted Wallet is tailored for first time internet users powered by Sorted AI chat powered by Google’s Gemini, for them to learn and engage with crypto.

Who is Sorted Wallet for?

Sorted Wallet is designed for the unbanked and underbanked populations, who often rely on feature phones for digital connectivity. It caters to those who are new to the world of cryptocurrency and digital finance, offering a user-friendly interface that makes complex processes simple and easy. Whether you are a farmer in rural Africa, a vendor in Southeast Asia, or an elderly person in India, Sorted Wallet empowers you to take control of your financial future. For example storing savings in secure and trusted crypto stablecoins like USDT, protected from inflation and currency devaluations. – “Take control of financial future”

What Sorted Wallet Brings to KaiOS?

By bringing Sorted Wallet to the KaiOS platform, we are making significant strides towards our goal of financial and digital inclusion. Sorted Wallet brings two revolutionary technologies together by providing blockchain and artificial intelligence to feature phone users. Together, the app offers a comprehensive suite of features designed specifically for KaiOS-enabled devices:

• Store, send, and receive crypto securely and instantly

• Multi-blockchain support for Tron, Ethereum, and Polygon networks

• Real-time crypto price tracker

• AI chat function for crypto-related queries and more

• Easy signup using Email or Phone number

With these features, Sorted Wallet is transforming how users interact with cryptocurrency, making it simple and accessible for all. KaiOS is excited to contribute in driving financial inclusion and empowerment globally.

Discover Sorted Wallet on the KaiStore today

Industry insights

Connected Resilience: Gendered Experiences of Meaningful Connectivity through a Global Pandemic

By KaiOS Marketing Team •

At the Commission on the Status of Women #CSW68 in New York, Global Digital Inclusion Partnership, with support from the Internet Society Foundation, published a new report that provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in achieving gender digital inclusion, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.

The pandemic made it clear that meaningful connectivity is now a basic requirement for all.

●  Across their six survey countries, women with a tertiary education were nearly twice as likely to be meaningfully connected compared to their peers with less education.

●  Women living in rural areas were three times more likely to lack internet access than their urban-dwelling peers, while women living in cities were over 50% more likely to have meaningful connectivity.

But too many women, too many of the world’s impoverished, & too many people living in rural communities remain unconnected, underconnected, or simply left behind. 

Women interviewed in underserved remote villages in India and impoverished urban settlements in Nigeria reported restricted digital access due to: 

  • lack of infrastructure (such as mobile towers)
  • high cost of devices and data services 
  • dependency on men in their family to use devices 
  • income-generating activities and unpaid care work leave little to no time available to access connectivity or digital skills educational initiatives.

From infrastructure challenges to socioeconomic barriers, the @GDInclusion’s report underscores the complexities of digital inclusion. But together with KaiOS, and through inclusive policy actions, we can shape a more connected world. 

Report available here!