Egoras and Airtel Partner to Introduce AI-Powered Cube Phone for Small Businesses
Egoras Technologies Limited, in collaboration with Airtel Nigeria, has announced the upcoming launch of the Cube Phone, an artificial intelligence-powered smartphone specifically designed to eliminate structural barriers to digital commerce for millions of small businesses across Nigeria. The device is set for release on April 28, 2026, and integrates free internet access for business purposes, a built-in contactless payment terminal, 100 customer payment cards, and a comprehensive suite of AI-driven business tools, positioning it as an all-in-one platform tailored for micro and small enterprises.
Addressing Low Digital Payment Penetration
The launch responds to the low digital payment penetration among Nigeria's estimated 40 million micro and small businesses, with fewer than eight percent currently accepting electronic payments. Industry challenges such as the high cost of point-of-sale (POS) terminals, expensive mobile data, and data privacy concerns have persistently hindered adoption. Priced at ₦240,000, the Cube Phone will be distributed through Egoras showrooms nationwide, aiming to simplify access to digital transactions rather than compete in the broader smartphone market.
Ugoji Harry, Chief Executive Officer of Egoras Technologies, emphasized the product's mission: "We did not set out to build a better phone. We set out to remove every obstacle between a business owner and their first digital transaction. The phone is simply what it took to achieve that." At the core of the offering is a zero-rating agreement with Airtel Nigeria, which eliminates mobile data costs for all activities conducted on CubeOS, the device's proprietary operating system. This means payments, AI consultations, and business applications on the platform will operate without data charges, subscription fees, or usage limits.
Cost Savings and Expansion Plans
Egoras estimates that small business owners currently spend between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 monthly on mobile data. By removing this expense, the company projects that users could recover the device's purchase price within a short period, even before considering additional revenue from digital transactions. The firm has secured rights to extend zero-rated access to third-party developers building applications on CubeOS, describing this model as a first within Africa's telecommunications ecosystem. Discussions are ongoing with MTN Nigeria and Globacom to expand carrier partnerships.
Each Cube Phone includes 100 Cube Cards—battery-free, near-field communication (NFC) contactless cards with a lifespan of up to 10 years. Merchants can distribute these cards to customers at no cost, enabling transactions through a single password without the need for smartphones or mobile applications. Egoras designed the model to scale organically, with each device introducing new cards into local markets. The company projects deployment of one million phones and 100 million Cube Cards within the first year.
AI Tools and Data Security Features
The Cube Phone is preloaded with an AI Business Suite comprising tools such as AI Legal, AI CFO, AI Coder, and AI HR, which support contract drafting, financial management, software development, and workforce administration. The system supports multiple languages, including English, Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa. All transactions and AI interactions are encrypted and stored on-device using a blockchain-based architecture, ensuring data privacy. While Airtel provides connectivity, it does not have access to user data, as all transmissions remain encrypted.
Egoras noted that existing market players like Moniepoint and OPay focus primarily on payments, while manufacturers such as Tecno Mobile and itel Mobile concentrate on hardware. The Cube Phone integrates these capabilities into a single device, positioning it as a full-stack solution that reduces reliance on multiple platforms, subscriptions, and infrastructure. Headquartered in Lagos, Egoras added that the Cube Phone features a 6.5-inch NFC-enabled display running on CubeOS and is expected to play a significant role in expanding financial inclusion and digital participation among small businesses.
