Across Africa’s busy markets and fast-growing e-commerce corridors, a new partnership is reshaping how small businesses grow, trade, and thrive in the digital economy.
Network International, a leading force in digital payments, has joined hands with Odoo, a global provider of open-source business management software, to create an all-in-one, omnichannel payment solution for African SMEs.
This isn’t just a software integration, it’s a new chapter in how African entrepreneurs do business.
At the heart of this collaboration is one goal: make digital payments simpler, smarter, and scalable for Africa’s millions of small and medium-sized enterprises.
💡 From Fragmented to Frictionless: A Unified Platform for Growth
The partnership will see Network International embedded directly into Odoo’s business management suite, allowing merchants across East and Southern Africa to accept card and mobile money payments without leaving the platform.
Whether it’s a boutique in Nairobi, a logistics startup in Johannesburg, or a food exporter in Kigali, merchants can now manage inventory, track customer orders, and process secure payments, all from one dashboard.
“Our integration with Odoo simplifies payment experiences while delivering real value to merchants,” said Judy Waruiru, Regional Managing Director, Eastern Africa, Merchant Services at Network International.
“From advanced fraud protection to real-time payment insights, we’re empowering businesses with the tools to grow, scale, and succeed in an increasingly digital world.”
📈 Built for Africa’s Digital Economy
Africa’s digital commerce landscape is evolving fast. Yet many SMEs still struggle with disconnected systems, unreliable payment options, and limited access to financial data. The Network–Odoo partnership solves these pain points, bringing:
- Omnichannel payment acceptance (cards, mobile money, online checkout)
- Automated onboarding for thousands of merchants
- Real-time transaction dashboards and business analytics
- Localized payment tools tailored to African markets
“This integration is a growth enabler,” added Patrick Lukusa, managing director of Odoo Kenya. “It will ease onboarding, enhance user experience, and help African entrepreneurs stay ahead of market demands.”
🌍 Driving Intra-African Trade Through Seamless Commerce
According to the 2024 Africa Trade Report, intra-African trade hit US$192.2 billion in 2023, reflecting a growing appetite for regional commerce and cross-border collaboration.
While the pace of growth has moderated, the report underscores one trend: digital tools and integrated platforms are essential to Africa’s economic future.
This collaboration between Network and Odoo aligns perfectly with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to simplify trade, digitize supply chains, and create jobs through connected commerce.
🚀 What This Means for African SMEs
With this partnership, African SMEs can now:
- Accept secure payments faster, both online and in-store
- Access business insights and reports in real-time
- Integrate finance, sales, and inventory on a single cloud-based platform
- Enhance customer trust through seamless transactions
- Compete more effectively in local and global markets
It also marks a strategic win for Network International, which gains access to Odoo’s vast SME customer base, further expanding its digital payments footprint across high-growth African markets.
🧩The Future of SME Banking and E-Commerce in Africa
In a continent where SMEs contribute up to 90% of jobs, digital tools like this partnership provide more than convenience, they provide a runway to prosperity.
“Africa’s entrepreneurs don’t just need software. They need smart, localised systems that work together,” said Lukusa. “This is how we build the future of business on the continent.”
