Apple Pay launches in Egypt with Network International support

Egypt’s push toward a cash-light economy is gathering pace as banks and fintech firms roll out new digital payment options for consumers.

Across the country, financial institutions are investing in mobile payment technology as more Egyptians choose to pay with smartphones rather than cash. 

The latest step in that shift is the launch of Apple Pay in Egypt, supported by payments technology firm Network International.

The service allows customers to make contactless payments using Apple smartphones, adding another option to the country’s growing digital payments ecosystem. 

Industry executives say the move reflects a broader effort by Egyptian regulators and banks to modernize payment systems and encourage the use of secure digital wallets.

As online shopping and mobile banking expand, demand for reliable and convenient payment tools has also grown. 

The launch comes as Egypt continues to promote financial inclusion and digital services.

Regulators have been encouraging banks and payment providers to adopt new technologies that make transactions faster and safer for consumers and businesses.

Central Bank push for digital payments 

The rollout follows the third wave of tokenisation licenses issued by the Central Bank of Egypt, allowing selected banks to support advanced payment technologies such as digital wallets and contactless payments. 

Network International said it enabled Apple Pay acceptance for four major Egyptian banks by powering card tokenisation on Apple devices.

The company’s processing platform supported the simultaneous launch for all four institutions. 

The company said the rollout highlights the strength of its payment infrastructure and its ability to deliver large-scale digital payment projects while maintaining high security and service standards.

Two decades in Egypt’s payments market 

Dr. Reda Helal, group managing director for processing in Africa and co-head of group processing at Network International, said the launch reflects years of work building payment infrastructure in the country. 

“We are proud to support four leading banks as Egypt continues to strengthen its digital economy,” Helal said.

“Our teams have been working in the market for more than 20 years, and delivering several implementations at the same time shows the depth of our local expertise and the strength of our platform.” 

Network International has also been expanding its presence in Egypt.

In 2023, the company announced plans to invest about EGP1 billion ($32 million) to grow its operations in the country. 

From its Egypt hub, the company supports more than 160 banks across Africa and over 65 financial institutions in the Middle East. 

As Apple Pay becomes available in Egypt, banks and payment providers expect mobile payments to play a larger role in everyday transactions, from retail purchases to online services.

Industry observers say cooperation between regulators, banks and fintech firms will remain key as Egypt continues to build a stronger digital payments system.