Joy Agwunobi
Network International (Network), a prominent enabler of digital commerce in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), has partnered with leading global digital payment and financial technology provider Ant International by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The collaboration aims to explore the expansion of innovative digital payment solutions for businesses across the MEA region, enhancing digital transformation and promoting financial inclusion.
As part of this strategic partnership, Network plans to leverage Alipay+ Wallet Tech solutions, including the development of e-wallet capabilities to better serve its customers throughout MEA. The Alipay+ Wallet Tech offers a comprehensive suite of e-wallet solutions, allowing customers to quickly create e-wallet applications or develop super apps that can accommodate their needs. By supporting prominent e-wallets globally, the platform enables them to serve millions of users efficiently.
The MoU further details intentions to broaden this partnership to other MEA countries in the near future. The firm indicates that with Alipay+ currently integrating over 30 digital payment methods globally, it aims to implement Alipay+ payment solutions on the online platforms it supports within the region to offer consumers a seamless QR code payment experience, both online and offline, using their preferred digital wallets and payment methods.
In addition, Network aims to collaborate closely with Ant International’s payment and digitisation services platform, Antom, to enhance card payment processing capabilities for international debit and credit cards issued in the UAE, while also noting that this improvement will enable global merchants to accept more local payment methods, fostering better connections with local consumers.
Nandan Mer, chief executive officer of Network International, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to strengthen our collaboration with Ant International to expand their presence in the Middle East and Africa while contributing to financial inclusion efforts in the region. This partnership underscores our commitment to accelerating digital transformation and facilitating business growth across the area.”
Peng Yang, chief executive officer of Ant International, added, “We are thrilled to partner with Network International to serve both regional and global merchants, including SMEs in the UAE and the MEA region. By combining our innovative technologies and digitisation solutions with Network’s extensive expertise in this region, we aim to provide more growth opportunities for merchants, enabling them to thrive in the digital era.”
