Bright as a button

In many ways the Nomanini device is the antithesis of recent technology trends. But it is making waves in emerging and underserved markets.

There is no giant glossy screen. It’s not black or white, nor is it made of sleek metal. It’s built to be big, bright and robust, and for good reason. This is a mobile transaction processing device, designed to replace scratch-card selling. Units can be configured for services like airtime, prepaid electricity, insurance and microloan payments, specifically in rural and township areas.

The device is designed to sur- vive being thrown or dropped. It has a thick, rigid plastic body. The buttons are housed inside the body and are covered in durable and flexible plastic.

The battery lasts up to five days, it is claimed, if processing an average of 50 sales a day. The interface is simple, allowing for quick transacting.

The unit can print receipts, too.

Nomanini describes itself as a “technology solutions provider for emerging market vendors”, and the device went through