Integration aims to boost intra-African trade by enabling digital payments via cards and mobile money across key markets.
By Bunmi Yekini
Network International, a leading provider of digital commerce solutions, has partnered with global business software giant Odoo to deliver seamless, omnichannel payment experiences to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.
The collaboration will see Network integrated directly into the Odoo platform as a payment service provider, enabling African businesses, particularly in East and Southern Africa, to accept card and mobile money payments within the same ecosystem they use to manage operations.
Speaking on the significance of the integration, Judy Waruiru, Regional Managing Director for Eastern Africa – Merchant Services at Network International, said:
“Our integration with Odoo’s business tools is designed to simplify payment processes while delivering a seamless customer experience. Through this collaboration, businesses will benefit from secure transactions, advanced fraud protection, and real-time dashboards that offer valuable insights into payment activity. These capabilities not only enhance operational efficiency but also empower businesses to make faster, data-driven decisions with confidence.”
The partnership is expected to be a catalyst for digital growth and economic development, as Africa’s digital economy continues its rapid expansion. By providing SMEs with robust payment infrastructure, the integration aims to eliminate friction in payment processes, support faster onboarding, and enhance competitiveness on a global scale.
“This integration will ease the onboarding of thousands of our merchants across Africa and allow them to seamlessly accept payments as per their needs (mobile money),” said Patrick Lukusa, Managing Director of Odoo in Kenya.
“It is a growth enabler to the benefit of our users.”
Beyond improving payment capabilities, the collaboration expands Network International’s reach through access to Odoo’s broad customer base across Africa. It also enriches Odoo’s e-commerce module with diverse payment options tailored to specific African markets.
According to the 2024 Africa Trade Report, intra-African trade rose to US$192.2 billion in 2023—representing a 3.2 percent increase despite global economic challenges. The report underscores the growing role of regional trade in infrastructure development, industrialisation, and job creation. Partnerships like that of Network and Odoo are seen as crucial enablers of this upward trajectory.