NIB Bank and Arifpay Financial Technologies have launched a strategic partnership aimed at expanding access to digital payment systems across Ethiopia. The collaboration brings together NIB Bank’s extensive financial infrastructure and Arifpay’s growing fintech capabilities to deliver a range of integrated solutions that cater to the evolving needs of businesses and merchants.

Central to the partnership is a commitment to improving how transactions are made and managed, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), retail merchants, and service providers seeking greater efficiency and flexibility in their day-to-day operations.

One of the key offerings is the deployment of mobile and smart point-of-sale (POS) devices, allowing merchants to accept card payments, including Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay. This capability is expected to improve transaction security and boost foreign currency inflows by attracting more international customers and formalizing previously cash-based businesses.

The agreement also includes the rollout of a secure digital Payment Gateway to support Ethiopia’s growing e-commerce sector. The gateway is designed to facilitate online payments for businesses operating in the digital space, offering a locally managed, real-time transaction platform that enhances reliability and customer trust. As part of the rollout, merchants will also have access to a free e-commerce platform, integrated directly through Arifpay’s gateway.

“With this partnership, NIB Bank’s customers can access these all-inclusive payment solutions,” said Rediet Tsigeberhan, CEO of Arifpay. “Moreover, a free e-commerce platform for merchants through our payment gateway will further empower businesses. Teaming up with NIB Bank allows us to scale our fintech innovations nationwide and work with a larger, more inclusive, and digitally empowered economy.”

Complementing these tools is a merchant-focused mobile application that allows vendors to accept payments, manage transactions, and access real-time analytics from their smartphones. The app supports businesses in better monitoring cash flow, understanding customer behavior, and making data-driven decisions.

Additionally, the “Super Merchant” model introduced through this partnership will allow NIB Bank to integrate Arifpay’s interoperable technologies into its existing digital services. The model is intended to simplify onboarding processes for new merchants, expand access to digital financial tools, and further modernize the bank’s retail offerings.

Henok Kebede, CEO of NIB Bank, said the partnership reflects the bank’s strategic direction toward becoming a leader in digital financial services. “By combining our infrastructure with Arifpay’s technology, we are positioned to deliver practical, customer-focused solutions that support business growth and financial inclusion,” he said.