- Established 1994 in the UAE; operates in 50+ countries with 2,000–2,500 employees
- Recent merger with Magnati and partnerships (Ant, Blu Penguin) bolster fintech capabilities
Network international at the heart of MEA’s digital payments boom
Founded in 1994 as part of Emirates Bank, Network International has evolved into the largest enabler of digital payments across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Headquartered in Dubai and operating in more than 50 countries, the company provides end-to-end solutions for over 250 financial institutions and nearly 200,000 merchants, offering services such as card issuing, merchant acquiring, and digital payment platforms. With a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees, Network International has embedded itself deeply into the financial infrastructure of both developed Gulf markets and underserved African economies.
The company’s growth strategy has relied heavily on regional expansion and strategic acquisitions. Notably, it acquired Egypt’s Emerging Markets Payments (EMP) in 2016, and pan-African payments group DPO in 2021—moves that significantly extended its African footprint. In 2024, the company entered into a transformative merger with Magnati, the payments arm of First Abu Dhabi Bank. This tie-up created a fintech powerhouse expected to handle over $400 billion in annual transaction volume, combining Network’s merchant reach with Magnati’s issuer strength and data capabilities.
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Strategic deals signal bold intent for financial inclusion
Recent partnerships also reflect Network International’s ambitions beyond traditional payment services. In late 2024, the company signed a strategic agreement with Ant International to roll out Alipay+ wallet services across its merchant network. This allows users of more than 10 e-wallets across Asia and Africa to transact seamlessly in the MEA region—using QR codes, digital wallets, and loyalty integrations that improve both customer convenience and merchant acceptance.
This was swiftly followed by a deal with Ghanaian fintech Blu Penguin to bring mobile money capabilities to Network’s N-Genius point-of-sale terminals. Given that more than 60% of Africa’s adult population remains unbanked, these innovations are helping bridge gaps in financial inclusion.
Despite its progress, Network International operates in a landscape fraught with challenges. Infrastructure in many African markets remains fragmented, regulatory environments differ dramatically across borders, and cybersecurity threats are growing in both scale and complexity. In many regions, a stubborn reliance on cash still hinders the full adoption of digital payments. Nevertheless, the broader outlook for MEA remains one of enormous potential, as smartphone penetration rises and younger, tech-savvy populations demand more convenient, secure, and affordable digital services.
The company’s recent £2.76 billion acquisition by Brookfield Asset Management—completed in late 2024—signals growing global investor confidence in MEA’s digital payments sector. Brookfield’s support is expected to accelerate product development and regional integration, especially as Network International invests more heavily in AI fraud detection tools, SME lending platforms, and cross-border commerce infrastructure.
Network International’s trajectory is not just about processing payments; it’s about redefining how commerce works across one of the most diverse and dynamic regions on the planet. From Ghana to the Gulf, its vision of inclusive, technology-driven financial access is slowly becoming a reality.
