Egoras Technologies has partnered with Airtel Nigeria to launch an artificial intelligence-powered commerce smartphone aimed at expanding digital payment adoption among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The device, known as the Cube Phone, is scheduled for release on April 28 and is designed to integrate payment processing, business management tools, and connectivity into a single platform tailored for small business owners.
The launch comes at a time when digital payment adoption among Nigerian MSMEs remains relatively low, with many businesses still reliant on cash transactions due to high costs associated with point-of-sale (POS) terminals, mobile data, and infrastructure limitations.
Speaking on the development, Egoras Technologies said the initiative is focused on removing barriers that prevent small businesses from participating in the digital economy. The company noted that the Cube Phone combines hardware and software features that allow merchants to accept payments, manage operations, and access digital tools without incurring traditional data costs.
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Airtel Nigeria, which is providing connectivity support for the device, confirmed that the smartphone will operate on a zero-rated data model for business-related activities. This means users will be able to process transactions and access core business applications without paying for mobile data.
The Cube Phone also includes a built-in payment system supported by contactless “Cube Cards,” enabling customers to make payments without requiring smartphones or banking applications.
In addition to payments, the device is equipped with AI-powered tools for financial tracking, human resource management, and workflow automation. Egoras stated that these features are intended to help small businesses improve efficiency and scale operations more effectively.
The companies also highlighted the use of blockchain-based infrastructure to enhance transaction security and data protection, addressing concerns around fraud and data privacy in Nigeria’s digital payments space.
Industry observers say the initiative could help reduce operating costs for small businesses, particularly those that spend significant amounts on mobile data and multiple service platforms. By consolidating these services into one device, the Cube Phone may provide a more accessible entry point for businesses transitioning to digital systems.
Egoras Technologies disclosed plans to distribute up to one million devices and 100 million payment cards within the first year of rollout, a move aimed at accelerating financial inclusion and deepening digital payment penetration across underserved communities.
The launch places Egoras and Airtel within Nigeria’s highly competitive fintech ecosystem, where companies are increasingly exploring integrated solutions to capture the growing MSME market.
Analysts note that while the success of the device will depend on adoption rates and user experience, the model represents a shift toward more inclusive, all-in-one digital commerce solutions for small businesses.
As Nigeria continues to push toward a cashless economy, initiatives like the Cube Phone are expected to play a key role in enabling MSMEs to participate more fully in the country’s evolving digital financial landscape.
