Dubai – Sharikat Mubasher: Network International (Network), a leading enabler of digital commerce in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and leading global digital payment and financial technology provider Ant International, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual cooperation.

The MoU aims to explore extension of innovative digital payment solutions to businesses in the Middle East and Africa, driving digital transformation and financial inclusion in the region, according to a press release.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Jamal Abdulla AlSuwaidi, the Ambassador of The United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Singapore.

As part of the partnership, Network will look to 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. It supports prominent e-wallets across the globe, empowering them to service millions of their users.

The MoU also intends to expand this partnership to other MEA countries in the near future. Network will also look to introduce Alipay+ payment solutions to the online platforms it supports in this region, providing consumers a combined online and offline seamless QR code payment experience by using their home e-wallets or preferred digital payment methods. Alipay+ currently connects over 30 digital payment methods across the world.

Additionally, through this partnership, Network intends to collaborate will with Ant International’s payment and digitisation services platform Antom, to enhance Antom’s card payment processing capabilities with international debit and credit cards issued in UAE, enabling global merchants to accept more local payment methods and better connect with local consumers.

Nandan Mer, Chief Executive Officer, of 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”.

Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer, of 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 digitization 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.”