Google Enables Naira Payments on Play Store in Partnership with Verve, Boosting Nigeria’s App Economy

In a move aimed at enhancing digital transactions and bolstering Nigeria’s app economy, Google has announced a partnership with Verve, Africa’s largest domestic card scheme, to enable Nigerians to make payments in their local currency, the naira, on the Google Play Store. This collaboration comes as a relief for Nigerian users who were previously facing challenges in accessing international payments due to forex constraints imposed by local banks.

With this new arrangement, Google will process Verve transactions within Nigeria, treating them as local transactions in Nigerian Naira (NG) through the country’s banking institutions. As a result, any Nigerian with an Android device and a Verve card can now seamlessly make purchases on the Google Play Store without worrying about forex limitations.

Anthea Crawford, Head of Retail and Payment Partnerships at Google Play, expressed excitement about the collaboration with Verve, emphasizing how it expands access to Google Play for more Nigerians. The introduction of local payments with Verve cards marks a significant milestone, making it possible for more Nigerians to participate in the app economy and easily access the apps they need.

Vincent Ogbunude, the Managing Director of Verve International, highlighted that the integration with Google Play represents a major stride toward achieving Verve’s vision of promoting financial inclusion. By bridging the digital divide and bringing digital content and services closer to Verve cardholders, this partnership plays a crucial role in extending the reach of digital services to a larger segment of the Nigerian population. Users can now effortlessly add their Verve cards to their Google Play accounts and make payments in Naira, creating a stress-free experience.

The collaboration between Google and Verve simplifies the payment process for Google Play Store apps and services, contributing significantly to a more inclusive digital environment for Nigerians. As the demand for digital content and services surges in Nigeria, this initiative is poised to deepen the app economy in the country and open up new opportunities for developers and entrepreneurs.

In a time when foreign exchange demands have been challenging for Nigerian banks to meet, Google’s decision to enable naira payments on the Play Store demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting emerging markets and fostering a thriving digital ecosystem. By providing a streamlined method for Nigerians to engage with the Play Store, this partnership is set to empower more individuals to participate in the digital revolution and access the benefits of the ever-expanding app economy.

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