Odoo and Network International Unite to Power Seamless Payment Solutions Across Africa
Network International, a leading facilitator of digital commerce in Africa, has entered into a strategic partnership with global business management software giant Odoo to revolutionize payment experiences for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the continent.
The collaboration will integrate Network International as a payment service provider within Odoo’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. This means that SMEs, particularly in East and Southern Africa, will now have access to a seamless, all-in-one solution that enables them to accept card and mobile money payments directly within the Odoo system.
Network International is the Middle East and Africa’s largest and leading digital payments company, purposely to help businesses and economies grow by simplifying payments and commerce.
Odoo is a global suite of open-source business applications that cover all a company’s needs. Founded in 2004, with revenues estimated at over 430 million USD in 2024, 5700 employees in the world (100+ in Kenya) 600 of which are developers. www.odoo.com
According to Judy Waruiru, Regional Managing Director for Eastern Africa Merchant Services at Network International, the integration aims to simplify payment operations while enhancing customer experience.
“Our partnership with Odoo is about delivering secure, user-friendly, and real-time payment solutions. With features like advanced fraud protection and insightful dashboards, SMEs will be able to streamline operations and make quicker, informed decisions,” she said.
As Africa’s digital economy rapidly evolves, the demand for integrated, efficient payment infrastructure is becoming a critical enabler of growth.
The Network-Odoo partnership directly responds to this demand, equipping African SMEs with tools that align with their business needs and market dynamics.
“This integration will significantly ease onboarding for thousands of merchants using Odoo across Africa,” noted Patrick Lukusa, Managing Director of Odoo Kenya. “It supports various local payment methods such as mobile money, which is crucial for businesses in our markets. This is not just a technological upgrade it’s a growth accelerator for our users.”
Beyond payments, the partnership allows Odoo’s e-commerce module to expand its capabilities with more localized options, enabling businesses to engage more customers and scale operations. It also provides Network International with strategic access to Odoo’s extensive customer base, reinforcing its presence in key African markets.
The move comes at a time when intra-African trade is gaining momentum. According to the 2024 Africa Trade Report, the value of trade within the continent rose to US$192.2 billion in 2023, demonstrating the resilience of African markets.
Partnerships such as this are expected to further catalyze regional economic integration by fostering digital infrastructure, supporting industrial growth, and creating employment opportunities.
With digital innovation at the forefront, the collaboration between Network International and Odoo is set to redefine how African SMEs manage transactions securing their place in a competitive global economy.
