In a rapidly evolving technology landscape, few stories illustrate the potential of digital finance as clearly as Jambo’s. At Solana Breakpoint in Abu Dhabi, Rachel Pether of FintechTV spoke with James Zhang, CEO of Jambo, about the company’s rapid growth, its technology-driven strategy, and its mission to expand access to the digital asset economy in emerging markets.
Over the past year, Jambo has sold more than one million smartphones and created over 10 million digital wallets. This rapid expansion is largely driven by a distribution model that combines mobile infrastructure with intuitive Web3 applications. Zhang, who grew up in Congo, highlighted the urgent need to simplify cross-border payments and banking in regions underserved by traditional financial institutions. Jambo’s approach focuses on removing barriers created by legacy banking systems and delivering tools that directly address real-world challenges in the Global South.
At the center of this strategy is Jambo’s flagship product, a $99 smartphone that comes preloaded with Web3 applications designed to onboard the next billion users into the digital asset economy. With expansion focused on Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Jambo is positioning itself at the intersection of mobile adoption and financial inclusion. The JamboPhone functions not just as a device, but as a gateway for users who have historically been excluded from formal financial systems.
Zhang described Jambo as a hybrid company that blends hardware, software, and financial inclusion. While hardware initially represented roughly 80% of the company’s revenue, software has since become a core driver of growth. Jambo now supports more than 60 strategic partnerships, including centralized crypto exchanges such as OKX and Coinbase, as well as blockchain networks like Solana. These partnerships strengthen Jambo’s app ecosystem and expand access to decentralized applications for its growing user base.
Artificial intelligence is also becoming a key component of Jambo’s platform. Rather than positioning AI as a background tool, the company views it as a financial co-pilot for users. Through a feature known as Jumbo GBT, users can interact with AI to receive guidance on financial decisions and digital asset use. This approach aims to improve financial literacy for individuals who may lack access to traditional advisory services, particularly in emerging markets.
Jambo’s leadership believes AI-driven assistance can significantly enhance user confidence and engagement. By combining AI guidance with accessible hardware and Web3 infrastructure, the company is working to create a more intuitive and supportive financial ecosystem for first-time digital asset users.
Looking ahead, Jambo plans to continue refining both its hardware and software offerings, with a focus on features tailored to the diverse needs of emerging markets. The company’s roadmap includes deeper AI integration, expanded app functionality, and continued partnerships across the crypto and fintech landscape.
James Zhang and his team are positioning Jambo as more than a technology company. Their broader goal is to foster economic empowerment by enabling access to digital finance tools at scale. As cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance, and blockchain-based applications continue to evolve, Jambo’s model offers a compelling example of how technology can drive inclusion, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth across global markets.