Why Network Int'l & Ant Have Forged MEA Payments Partnership
Network International, the Middle East and Africa's payments infrastructure provider, has entered into a partnership with Ant International to expand digital payment capabilities across the region.
The agreement, signed in Singapore, will see Network International integrate Alipay+ Wallet Tech solutions - a technology stack that enables businesses to build digital wallet applications and "super apps" that combine multiple services in one interface.
Digital wallet expansion
Under the memorandum of understanding, Network International will deploy these wallet capabilities across its customer base in the Middle East and Africa, where it currently serves over 130,000 merchants and 250 financial institutions across 50 countries. The partnership aims to address the technical challenges of digital payment adoption in emerging markets.
The partnership will also bring Alipay+ payment solutions to Network International's online platforms. This integration will enable consumers to make QR code payments both online and in physical stores using their existing digital wallets. Alipay+ currently connects more than 30 digital payment methods globally, offering a unified payment experience across borders.
"We are delighted to join hands with Network International to serve regional and global merchants, including SMEs in UAE and the MEA region," says Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International. "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."
Card processing enhancement
A key element of the partnership involves collaboration with Antom, Ant International's merchant services platform. Network International will enhance Antom's ability to process international debit and credit cards issued in the UAE, expanding payment options for global merchants seeking to serve customers in the region.
The expansion of card processing capabilities comes at a time when cross-border e-commerce is growing in the Middle East and Africa region. Antom currently operates in over 150 markets and supports merchant payments in more than 100 currencies, providing a foundation for international trade.
Regional integration
The agreement was witnessed by H.E. Jamal Abdulla AlSuwaidi, the UAE's Ambassador to Singapore, highlighting the diplomatic significance of the cross-border partnership. The presence of UAE diplomatic representation underscores the strategic importance of financial technology collaboration between Asia and the Middle East.
Network International operates across more than 50 countries, providing payment infrastructure to governments, banks, financial technology companies and merchants. The company employs 2,000 staff across its markets and processes transactions for over 250 financial institutions.
- Initial focus on UAE
- Planned expansion across Middle East
- Further rollout across African markets
- Emphasis on emerging economies
The memorandum of understanding includes provisions for expansion into additional Middle East and Africa markets. This phased approach will see the gradual introduction of Alipay+ services across Network International's regional footprint.
Ant International, headquartered in Singapore, provides digital payment and financial services technology to merchants globally. Its Antom division processes transactions in over 100 currencies, supporting merchants in 40 markets with digital payment solutions.
The partnership comes as digital payment adoption accelerates across the Middle East and Africa, driven by smartphone penetration and changing consumer preferences. Network International's existing infrastructure, combined with Ant International's technology, positions both companies to capture this growth.
"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," says Nandan Mer, Chief Executive Officer of Network International. "This collaboration underscores our commitment to accelerating digital transformation, enabling the growth of businesses in the region."
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