LISBON, Portugal, May 29, 2025 — BIO-key International, Inc., a global provider of identity and access management (IAM) solutions using Identity-Bound Biometrics, has formed a strategic partnership with Runlevel, a specialized cybersecurity firm, to expand into Portuguese-speaking African countries and Timor-Leste.

The partnership positions Runlevel as a value-added reseller for BIO-key’s solutions across PALOP (Países Africanos de Língua Oficial Portuguesa) countries and Timor-Leste. As cyber threats mount in these regions, the two companies aim to deliver secure, scalable, and regulation-compliant digital identity tools for governments, enterprises, and financial institutions.

Runlevel will provide pre-sales consulting, deployment assistance, and technical training to help customers meet local compliance needs.

The partnership’s first major customer is Mozambique’s National Bank, which is deploying BIO-key’s full suite of biometric IAM solutions, including PortalGuard On-Prem with multi-factor authentication and single sign-on.

Miguel Guerreiro, managing partner at Runlevel, said the collaboration allows Runlevel to bring advanced IAM technologies to regions facing distinct cybersecurity challenges. “Partnering with BIO-key enables us to provide advanced IAM technologies that enhance cybersecurity, streamline authentication, and ensure compliance,” Miguel said. “Securing our first major deal together is a strong validation of this partnership and demonstrates the critical need for robust identity security solutions in the financial sector.”

Alex Rocha, international managing director at BIO-key, emphasized the strategic fit. “Runlevel is an ideal partner to expand BIO-key’s reach into Portuguese-speaking markets,” Alex said. “Their deep knowledge of the local cybersecurity landscape and strong relationships with key enterprises and public institutions make them a perfect fit for delivering BIO-key’s IAM solutions. Securing our first project together with a National Bank in Mozambique confirms the demand we believe exists for advanced IAM solutions in these regions.”

Both companies plan to deepen their regional engagement and address the evolving cybersecurity needs of financial institutions and government agencies.