Network International and Ant International have partnered to enhance digital payment capabilities in the Middle East and Africa.
- The partnership will integrate Alipay+ Wallet Tech solutions to support digital payment adoption across Network International’s operations.
- Consumers will benefit from QR code payments both online and in stores, contributing to a seamless payment experience.
- The collaboration will enhance Antom’s international card processing in the UAE, supporting cross-border e-commerce growth.
- Supported at a diplomatic level by the presence of UAE officials, the partnership aims to advance financial tech collaboration.
Network International, a prominent payments infrastructure provider in the Middle East and Africa, has formed a strategic partnership with Ant International to bolster digital payment capabilities across the region. This significant collaboration was formalised in Singapore and aims to integrate Alipay+ Wallet Tech solutions, thereby assisting businesses in developing digital wallet applications and ‘super apps’ that consolidate multiple services into a single interface.
Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, Network International is set to deploy these advanced wallet solutions throughout its extensive customer network in the Middle East and Africa, which encompasses over 130,000 merchants and 250 financial institutions spanning 50 countries. The partnership addresses the technical hurdles associated with digital payment adoption in emerging markets, promising enhanced capabilities for merchants.
A pivotal component of this collaboration involves the introduction of Alipay+ payment solutions to Network International’s digital platforms. This integration is designed to offer consumers the convenience of QR code payments, both online and in physical retail settings, utilising their existing digital wallets. Currently, Alipay+ facilitates over 30 digital payment methods globally, providing a consistent payment experience across borders. Peng Yang, CEO of Ant International, expressed enthusiasm for the venture, highlighting the growth opportunities it presents for merchants in the region.
Central to the partnership is the enhancement of Antom, Ant International’s merchant services platform. Network International will significantly improve Antom’s capacity to process international debit and credit cards issued in the UAE, thus expanding the payment options available to global merchants targeting customers in this region.
The growth in cross-border e-commerce in the Middle East and Africa underscores the necessity for expanded card processing capabilities. Antom operates in over 150 markets and accommodates payments in upwards of 100 currencies, laying the groundwork for international trade. The agreement’s signing, witnessed by H.E. Jamal Abdulla AlSuwaidi, UAE’s Ambassador to Singapore, stresses the diplomatic and strategic importance of this alliance.
Network International’s vast operational landscape, covering more than 50 countries, provides robust payment infrastructure to a diverse range of entities including governments, banks, fintech companies, and merchants. With a workforce of 2,000, the company processes transactions for over 250 financial institutions, positioning itself as a key player in the digital payments arena. The agreement includes plans for initial focus on the UAE, followed by broader expansion across the Middle East and African markets.
This partnership arrives as the Middle East and Africa witness accelerated adoption of digital payments, propelled by widespread smartphone use and evolving consumer behaviours. By leveraging existing infrastructure alongside cutting-edge technology from Ant International, the companies are poised to capture growing market opportunities. Nandan Mer, CEO of Network International, reiterated the company’s commitment to driving digital transformation and supporting business growth within the region.
The strategic alliance between Network International and Ant International marks a significant step towards advancing the digital payment ecosystem in the MEA region.
