Mobile software group Bango (LON:BGO) is to launch carrier billing for apps from the Google Play store in Africa, a deal that could triple its sales from the continent.
The company is teaming up with telecom provider Telkom South Africa to launch the program.
The platform allows users to make purchases by charging the cost to their phone bill, rather than using a credit or debit card.
“This gives customers with limited or no access to other payment methods the ability to buy from the huge range of content in the Google Play store,” Bango said.
Android devices make up 89% of Africa’s smartphone market, and Bango reckons the new payment option could increase sales by 300-400%.
Ray Anderson, chief executive, said: “Bango has long understood that Africa is a key growth market for our frictionless payment technology.
“Launching the best payment experience, for the world's most popular app store and in Africa's largest market, is a proud milestone for Bango and our partner Telkom SA."
Amazon, Samsung, BlackBerry, Mozilla and Microsoft all use the Bango payment platform in addition to Google.