In a move that is set to transform the digital landscape in Nigeria, Google has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Verve, the largest domestic card scheme in Africa. The tech giant’s latest announcement means that Nigerians can now make payments on the Google Play Store using their local currency, the naira.
This development comes as a boon to Nigerians who have long been facing challenges in making international payments due to the ongoing struggles faced by banks in meeting forex demands. With the integration of Verve cards on the Play Store, Google has opened up a world of opportunities for millions of Android users in the country.
Under this new arrangement, Google will process Verve transactions locally, allowing users to make purchases in Nigerian Naira. This move streamlines the payment process, making it easier and more convenient for Nigerians to access and buy apps and digital content from the Play Store.
Anthea Crawford, Head of Retail and Payment Partnerships at Google Play, expressed her excitement about the collaboration with Verve, stating that the introduction of local payments with Verve cards is a significant milestone. This move empowers more Nigerians to participate in the app economy and access the apps they need effortlessly.
Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director of Verve International, hailed the integration with Google Play as a significant stride towards achieving Verve’s vision of promoting financial inclusion. He emphasized the importance of bringing digital content and services closer to Verve cardholders, thereby bridging the digital divide in the country. By extending the reach of digital services to a larger segment of the Nigerian population, Verve’s expanding acceptance promotes inclusion and empowers more people to join the digital revolution.
While the partnership between Google and Verve is being appreciated for its positive impact on Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, some users have expressed their desire for Google’s Cloud Platform to accept payments in Naira as well. This would further enhance the accessibility of Google’s services and ensure a more seamless and comprehensive digital experience for Nigerians.
Nonetheless, the collaboration between Google and Verve represents a significant step forward in making digital transactions more accessible and efficient for Nigerians. As the app economy deepens and more users can now participate, this partnership is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria, fostering financial inclusion and technological advancement in the region.
With the ability to use Verve cards for purchases on the Play Store, any Nigerian with an Android device now has a simple and localized method for accessing a vast array of digital content. This announcement marks a milestone in the journey towards a more inclusive and vibrant digital landscape in Nigeria.
