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.
Read Also: Mastercard and Kalabash54 launch innovative travel card in Nigeria and Ghana
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
NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

This directive was contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.
The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.
In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.
Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”
The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.
“Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.
The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.
The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.
The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.
Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.
Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”
Telecom
Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.
Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.
The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.
The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.
“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.
Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.
Telecom
GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.
The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.
GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.
These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.
More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.
As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.
Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.
E-Financial2 days agoBillions in Nigeria’s Reserves, But Where is the Growth?
Telecom2 days agoQNET unveils ‘Energize Everyday’ theme, intensifies consumer protection, media partnership in 2026
E-Financial2 days agoAdedeji, NRS Boss says Technology is Crucial to Tax Reform’s Success
E-Business2 days agoKaspersky Reports 15% Growth in Malicious email Attacks in 2025
News2 days agoNDIC Moves to Boost Customers’ Confidence in Nigerian Banks
General News2 days agoRussia Blocks WhatsApp, Pushes State App Max as Alternative Amid Telegram Clampdown
General News2 days agoIdenty.io Targets Nigeria, Kenya in Its Africa Expansion Strategy
News1 day agoNITDA Explores Partnership with Trust Stamp on Digital Trust and Innovation

















