Network International and Airtel Money partner to roll out digital payment solutions across Africa, starting with Uganda and expanding in 2025. (Image source: Network International)

Network International, a key player in digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa, has partnered with Airtel Money to introduce digital payment solutions across major African markets, starting with Uganda

Additional rollouts are planned for the rest of Africa and Francophone nations in 2025.

Under this collaboration, Network will support Airtel Money with transaction processing, card management, fraud prevention, API sandbox, reconciliation and settlement, and online access for users.

Transforming payment ecosystems 

Dr Reda Helal, group managing director – Processing, Africa and Co-Head Group Processing at Network International, stated, “We aim to cover significant ground on our Airtel rollouts this year after going live in Uganda and make greater strides for our outsourced payments services in Africa. We are excited to add value to Airtel’s capabilities, continue driving the success of Mobile Network Operators, and contribute to financial inclusion across the continent.”

Ian Ferrao, group CEO, Airtel Money - Airtel Africa PLC Airtel Group, added, “We are delighted with this major milestone in our partnership and are eager to keep on innovating and elevating our customer experiences with the support of Network’s digital payments expertise. Together, we will pave the way for more citizens to gain access to the continent's growing digital economy.”

Network International offers a broad range of payment technology solutions for merchants and financial institutions, covering acquiring, processing, and value-added services. Operating in 50 MEA countries, it serves over 40 African markets.

Airtel operates telecom and mobile money services in 14 African countries, primarily in Central and West Africa. The company has a customer base exceeding 140 million, including nearly 60 million data users and over 36 million Airtel Money customers.

Also read: Airtel Africa empowers Nigeria’s youth in tech

Flutterwave is a trusted payments provider for businesses across Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Flutterwave, a top payments technology company in Africa, has secured a Payment System License to operate in Zambia

With this license, Flutterwave can now offer secure and affordable mobile money services to businesses in Zambia, supporting both domestic and international trade while driving financial inclusion and economic progress.

Zambia represents a significant growth opportunity for Flutterwave, given its increasing internet penetration and high dependence on mobile money for daily transactions. Mobile money services contribute nearly 70% to the country’s financial inclusion rate. Through its mobile money collection and payout solutions, Flutterwave enables businesses across various sectors to simplify payments, cut transaction costs, and scale operations both locally and globally.

Flutterwave's next move?

“Zambia is a market with enormous potential for growth and innovation, so we are excited to bring our payment solutions here,” said Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, founder and CEO of Flutterwave. “Our goal is to provide businesses across the entire African region with the tools they need to compete not just locally but globally. Flutterwave’s infrastructure now stretches across the majority of Africa, and with our new license in Zambia, we are one step closer to achieving our mission. At Flutterwave, we believe that by simplifying payments, we can unlock new opportunities for businesses in Zambia and contribute to the country’s broader economic development.”

For global companies entering Zambia, Flutterwave provides a reliable payment gateway, ensuring smooth local transactions and supporting a variety of payments, from consumer purchases to business-to-business transactions. Similarly, Zambian businesses looking to expand internationally can use Flutterwave’s cross-border payment solutions to collect payments from customers abroad and seamlessly engage in global trade.

“Acquiring the Payment System License in Zambia is a crucial step in our Pan-African expansion strategy,” said Oluwabankole Falade, chief regulatory officer at Flutterwave. “This license allows us to not only support Zambian businesses in growing and competing globally but also to ensure that our operations are in full compliance with local regulations. We are deeply grateful to the Bank of Zambia for their trust and for the opportunity to work within Zambia's financial ecosystem. We are committed to collaborating closely with the Bank of Zambia and other regulatory bodies to promote financial innovation and drive economic growth.”

Having established a presence in over 30 countries, Flutterwave is a trusted payments provider for businesses across Africa. Its entry into Zambia reaffirms its commitment to strengthening African enterprises and promoting economic development through digital payment solutions.

Also read: Flutterwave wins payments award

Flutterwave secures Cross-Border Payments Award at Africa Tech Summit 2025. (Image source: Flutterwave)

Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, was recently honoured for its excellence in Cross-Border Payments at the 2025 Africa Tech Summit, held from 12 to 13 February in Nairobi, Kenya

The Africa Tech Summit awards recognise the most innovative and impactful technology solutions driving digital transformation across various sectors in Africa. As the continent continues to develop cutting-edge solutions to address its digital challenges, these awards highlight businesses that are shaping Africa’s technology ecosystem.

By awarding Flutterwave the Cross-Border category, ATS acknowledges the company’s dedication to bridging Africa with the world through seamless payment solutions. This recognition follows a series of prestigious accolades Flutterwave received in 2024. These include Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Company for Europe, Middle East, and Africa”, the “Financial Services Infrastructure Innovation Award” at the International Financial Inclusion Conference, and “Fintech of the Year” at the Africa Banker Awards.

Expanding Reach and Impact

In 2024, Flutterwave achieved remarkable milestones, with 48% of businesses on its platform receiving payments from new geographic locations in industries such as remittance, hospitality, and travel.

The company also extended its footprint to over 30 countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia. Additionally, it secured more than 30 new Money Transmitter Licences (MTL) in the U.S. and formed strategic partnerships with global financial institutions like American Express, further expanding payment options for businesses and individuals across African markets.

Flutterwave’s continued recognition and expansion solidify its role as a leader in Africa’s fintech space. By providing a robust and scalable payment infrastructure, it empowers businesses to thrive in Africa while seamlessly expanding their global reach.

Read more: Transforming small businesses through digital tools

Bank of South Sudan and AfricaNenda introduce NIPS, enabling real-time transactions and financial inclusion for a connected digital economy. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Bank of South Sudan (BOSS) has unveiled a landmark initiative to introduce the country’s first National Instant Payment System (NIPS) in partnership with the AfricaNenda Foundation

This initiative represents a major advancement in modernising South Sudan’s financial infrastructure, reinforcing the bank’s mission to enhance financial services for all citizens. It also complements broader efforts to integrate key systems such as the Automated Clearing House (ACH), Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), and Instant Fund Transfer (IFT).

Designed to enable secure, real-time, and cost-efficient transactions, NIPS will enhance interoperability between banks, mobile money providers, and other financial institutions. As the foundation of South Sudan’s digital payment ecosystem, the system will support various financial transactions, including person-to-person (P2P), person-to-business (P2B), government-to-person (G2P), and person-to-government (P2G) payments. This will drive efficiency and inclusivity across the financial sector.

“The start of the NIPS journey marks a monumental step forward for financial and socio-economic inclusion in South Sudan. This partnership with AfricaNenda Foundation is pivotal in transforming the financial services landscape, fostering greater inclusivity, and creating a more resilient digital economy,” Johnny Ohisa Damian, governor of the Bank of South Sudan.

The partnership’s primary objectives include:

• Establishing a comprehensive roadmap for NIPS implementation with defined milestones.
• Strengthening the capacity of BOSS and financial institutions to manage and oversee the system effectively.
• Ensuring seamless integration and interoperability through collaboration with banks, telecom operators, and key stakeholders.

Following a successful proof-of-concept phase in 2023, which demonstrated strong demand and viability, BOSS and AfricaNenda are confident that NIPS will transform South Sudan’s financial landscape. The system will enhance financial accessibility, support businesses, streamline government operations, and create new economic opportunities in a digital-driven economy.

This initiative reflects BOSS’s dedication to fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative financial future for all citizens in South Sudan.

“We are proud to partner with the Bank of South Sudan on this landmark initiative. Instant payment systems are transformative tools that redefine access to financial services and promote inclusivity. With the launch of this system, South Sudan is laying the foundation for a more connected and resilient economy that benefits every citizen,” concluded Robert Ochola, CEO, of AfricaNenda Foundation.

Also read: Mukuru wallet transforms Zimbabwe’s digital payment