Network International, a digital commerce enabler in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), has been appointed as the Payment Processor – Issuing partner for MTN Group Fintech. This strategic partnership marks a pivotal step in advancing financial inclusion and digital payment solutions across the continent.
With an extensive footprint spanning over 50 countries and partnerships with more than 250 financial institutions, Network International is no stranger to transforming payment ecosystems. By joining forces with MTN Group Fintech, the company is set to leverage its vast expertise in issuer processing to bolster MTN’s already cutting-edge mobile financial services. This collaboration promises to deliver greater value to stakeholders and millions of customers across Africa.
The partnership will initially focus on rolling out card issuance products in key markets, starting with Rwanda, which is already operational. Expansion plans are underway to include Uganda, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria.
Network International will provide a comprehensive suite of services, including transaction processing to ensure seamless and secure payment flows, card management for efficient issuance and handling of payment cards, and online fraud prevention to enhance security for digital transactions.
For MTN Fintech users, this means a more integrated experience where traditional mobile services meet innovative digital payment solutions. The result is a frictionless platform that empowers users to participate more actively in both local and global economies.
At the heart of this partnership lies a shared vision of financial inclusion. Cedric N’guessan, Executive for Payment and E-commerce at MTN Group Fintech, emphasized that this collaboration is pivotal in enhancing access to financial services across Africa and beyond.
By integrating advanced payment solutions into MTN’s mobile money ecosystem, this partnership aims to bridge the gap for millions of unbanked and underbanked individuals across the continent. The ability to issue cards linked directly to mobile wallets will enable users to make secure online purchases, withdraw cash from ATMs, and transact seamlessly within an increasingly digital world.
This collaboration also aligns with MTN’s strategic goals alongside Mastercard to broaden access to digital financial services throughout Africa. It is a step toward enabling customers not only to engage with local economies but also to actively participate in the global economy.
For Network International, this partnership represents a significant milestone in its mission to expand its footprint across Africa.
Dr. Reda Helal, Group Managing Director – Processing, Africa and Co-Head Group Processing at Network International, expressed his excitement about the collaboration by highlighting how it demonstrates their ability to serve Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) through fully-fledged processing solutions.
He further reiterated Network’s dedication and commitment to supporting MTN Group Fintech’s growth strategy and business development plans across the continent.
This partnership underscores Network International’s commitment to empowering businesses and individuals by providing robust payment infrastructure tailored for emerging markets. It also reflects their long-standing focus on driving innovation while addressing the unique needs of African economies.
The implications of this partnership extend far beyond card issuance or transaction processing—it represents a shift toward a more inclusive financial ecosystem where technology bridges socioeconomic divides. With mobile penetration rates soaring across Africa, initiatives like this have the potential to unlock unprecedented opportunities.
For small businesses, access to digital payment tools will empower them to accept cashless transactions and expand their customer base. This will not only boost their revenue streams but also enable them to compete more effectively in an increasingly digital economy. Similarly, e-commerce platforms stand to benefit as secure card issuance linked directly to mobile wallets allows African consumers to engage confidently with online marketplaces.
Cross-border trade is another area that will see significant growth as digital payments simplify transactions between countries within Africa. This will foster regional trade while contributing positively to economic growth across borders.
Moreover, as MTN Group Fintech collaborates with global players like Mastercard alongside Network International, it sets the stage for Africa’s integration into the global digital economy.
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