By Adedapo Adesanya
Technology solutions company, Interswitch Limited, has collaborated with American Express (AmEx) to expand digital payment through the use and acceptance of American Express cards across Nigeria.
This alliance between Interswitch and AmEx allows members to transact using a wide range of merchants, who will then process the payments through the Interswitch platform. This can be done for range of transactions such as travel, retail, hospitality, and dining expenses, as well as ATM withdrawals.
The partnership, according to Interswitch, will allow it to integrate its network of merchants in Nigeria into the global American Express network. It will allow the company assume responsibility for managing American Express merchants in Nigeria, while bringing new merchants onto its platform.
This is a huge development as before the partnership, American Express Card members could only use their cards at select locations across the country, but the partnership has expanded the acceptance of AmEx cards to Interswitch merchants, ATMs and websites nationwide.
According to the Divisional Chief Executive Officer for Payment Processing at Interswitch, Mr Akeem Lawal, “AmEx and Interswitch are aligned in our desire to provide fast and secure payment solutions and transactions across Nigeria.
“With this new partnership, we are improving AmEx Card member access to a convenient and secure network, which also benefits our merchants who will gain new opportunities presented by an expanded user base.
“By remaining card scheme neutral, Interswitch will continue to explore innovative partnerships that will benefit consumers and retailers alike.”
He further added that this was an extension of the commitment of Interswitch to reliably cater to its valued merchants and to reinforce the Company’s mantra of ‘Transaction solutions you can depend on’.
He recommended new merchants to join the Interswitch platform, highlighting that the addition of American Express cards can help to expand their businesses.
On the part of Mrs Vivi Galani, Vice President and General Manager, Global Network Partnerships EMEA for American Express, she stated that the new partnership reinforced American Express’s role as a leading global network.
She said, “We are excited to be partnering with Interswitch, a well-respected pan-African financial technology company, to continue to grow our presence in Nigeria.”
“As we partner with leading banks and financial institutions around the world, we are bringing the powerful backing of the American Express network to Card members and merchants by expanding acceptance of our cards,” she added.