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.