Middle Eastern and African (MEA) digital commerce companies Network International and Ant International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to significantly expand innovative digital payments in both regions.
Both companies will look to extend digital payment solutions to businesses in the MEA, driving digital transformation and financial inclusion in the region.
As part of the partnership, Network will leverage Alipay+ Wallet Tech solutions such as developing e-wallet capabilities to better serve its customers across MEA. Alipay+ Wallet Tech provides a full suite of e-wallet solutions, enabling customers to build e-wallet apps quickly or empowering them to build super apps.
Peng Yang, CEO at Ant International, said: “We are delighted to join hands with Network International to serve regional and global merchants, including SMEs in UAE and the MEA region.
“By combining our innovative technologies and digitisation solutions with Network’s deep know-how of this region, we are providing more growth opportunities to the merchants, enabling them to thrive in the digital era.”
The MoU will see the partnership extend to other MEA countries in the near future. Network will also introduce Alipay+ payment solutions to the online platforms it supports in this region, providing consumers with a combined online and offline seamless QR code payment experience by using their home e-wallets or preferred digital payment methods.
Additionally, Network will partner with Ant International’s payment and digitisation services platform Antom.
The introduction of Antom’s card payment processing capabilities with international debit and credit cards issued in UAE will enable global merchants to accept more local payment methods and better connect with local consumers.
Nandan Mer, CEO at Network International, said: “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Ant International to expand their footprint in the Middle East and Africa and contribute to financial inclusion efforts within the region.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to accelerating digital transformation, enabling the growth of businesses in the region.”
