Nokia announced that messaging app WhatsApp will be rolled out to its Asha range of devices aimed at emerging markets, along with a boost to its developer incentive programme.

WhatsApp will be available on Nokia’s Asha 501 feature phone from November, and will soon be rolled out to the rest of the emerging market-focused product line.

Speaking on stage at Nokia World, WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum revealed the messaging service now had 350 million monthly active users.

A number of significant app players have also built titles specifically for Nokia’s latest Lumia and Asha devices, including Electronic Arts, Dreamworks Animation, LINE and Nimbuzz.

Nokia also announced that it has more than $5 million in rewards to offer developers via its DVLUP programme, which was announced earlier this month.

Developers can collect points through taking challenges, taking part in webinars and developing their apps. They can then convert these points into awards such as merchandising, devices and promotional support.

DVLUP is available in more than 20 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Poland, UK, US and Vietnam. Nokia said the programme “empowers developers to increase the visibility and success of their applications”.

The vendor also launched a set of “design, development and troubleshooting tools” to enable developers to be more productive when building for Windows Phone.