In this interview, Dr. Reda Helal, the Managing Director and Co-Head of Processing Services - Africa, discusses the importance of participating in the exhibition, the company’s offerings, and its vision for developing the digital payment sector in Egypt and the region.

Q: How do you evaluate your participation as a Silver Sponsor in CairoICT’24?

A: Participating in CairoICT’24 is an exceptional opportunity for us to showcase our latest solutions in digital payments, such as cybersecurity services, data analytics, and value-added services. The exhibition also allows us to connect with current clients and potential partners, helping to expand our business and strengthen our relationships with regulatory bodies and technology institutions.

Q: What are the key messages you aimed to convey during the exhibition?

A: We focused on highlighting our capabilities in providing innovative solutions that enhance digital trade in the region. We invited our current and potential partners to join us on our journey to explore how our digital solutions can make a significant impact across various sectors, including banking, telecommunications, and financial technology.

Q: How does the theme of the exhibition, "The Next Wave," align with your vision and what did it add to your participation?

A: The theme "The Next Wave" aligns with our strategy of looking ahead to the future of technology in the payments sector. We believe that digital innovation is the next wave that will reshape the economic and commercial landscape in the region, and we are working to be an integral part of this transformation.

Q: Do you have any contributions to the panel discussions and workshops at the exhibition?

A: Yes, we participated in thought leadership sessions where we discussed our successes and strategies for accelerating digital transformation in the payments sector. We also reviewed our practical solutions to support financial inclusion and e-commerce, as well as the impact of technological innovation on improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Q: To what extent does this participation reflect your future vision?

A: Our participation in CairoICT’24 highlights our focus on innovation and sustainable growth. We are working to provide integrated solutions that make a real difference in the lives of consumers and businesses, and we believe that Egypt plays a central role in achieving this goal, given its vast potential and promising market.

Q: How do your investments in the Egyptian market support the company’s goals?

A: We invested one billion Egyptian pounds in the Egyptian market this year to establish the "Network One" digital payment platform and develop a technological operations center in Egypt. These investments strengthen Egypt’s role as a regional hub for our services and support our ambitions for growth in other Middle Eastern and African markets.

Q: What about the role of technology in the digital payments sector?

A: Technology is the backbone of digital payment services. We offer advanced solutions that serve the end consumer through banks and e-wallets, as well as merchants. Our goal is to improve the user experience and increase the efficiency of financial systems in the region.

Q: How does "Network International" contribute to data protection within its digital solutions?

A: Data protection is a top priority for us. We use the latest cybersecurity technologies to secure all transactions conducted through our platforms. We have advanced systems to detect and prevent fraud, in addition to data analytics tools that enable us to provide secure and customized solutions for our clients. These technologies enhance customer trust and contribute to the increased use of digital payments.

Q: How has the company succeeded in serving 50 countries worldwide?

A: We have built a strong network of partners and clients in more than 50 countries across the Middle East and Africa. We rely on a unified digital payment platform that provides services to banks, telecommunications companies, and fintech, while adapting to the needs of each market. This diversity in services and markets reflects our flexibility and ability to expand strategically.

Q: What role does Egypt play in exporting your services to other markets?

A: We aim for Egypt to become a central hub for the company’s activities in the Middle East and Africa. Through our integrated technology center here, we export our services to other markets.

Q: How does the company benefit from Egypt as a strategic hub to support expansion plans?

A: Egypt's geographical location, along with its qualified workforce and rapidly advancing technological infrastructure, makes it an ideal launch point for serving other markets. We are working to strengthen our presence in Egypt to match the capabilities of our main hub in Dubai, enabling us to provide services with the same quality and efficiency.

Q: How do your solutions contribute to enhancing digital trade across the region?

A: Our digital solutions facilitate the electronic payment process, improving the efficiency and speed of e-commerce. We offer integrated services that support both merchants and consumers, opening the door for more innovation and growth in this vital sector.