Boosting Conversions: How Paymob’s Integration Powers MENA SMEs
Paymob is now the first preferred partner of Woo in MENA. Why is this partnership significant for the region’s e-commerce landscape?
This partnership is transformative for MENA’s e-commerce landscape, combining WooCommerce’s seamless online store experience with Paymob’s powerful, localised payment infrastructure. As Woo’s first preferred payment partner in MENA, we’re eliminating barriers for SMEs by embedding our solutions directly into the WooCommerce Marketplace making setup fully digital and seamless. in just a few clicks merchants can now accept over 50 global and local payment methods, ensuring seamless checkout, faster settlements, and higher conversions.
The MENA region’s e-commerce sector is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and increasing smartphone penetration. For SMEs to capitalise on this growth, they need tools that are easy to adopt, highly secure, and tailored to local needs. Our integration with WooCommerce delivers just that.
Payments innovation is clearly at the heart of your strategy. How does this integration reflect broader trends in the fintech and e-commerce sectors?
Payments innovation today is about simplifying complex processes while maintaining the highest standards of security, scalability, and efficiency. For example, governments and regulators in the region are actively supporting digital transformation. In the UAE, for instance, the Central Bank’s Retail Payment Services (RPS) license is a critical step forward in enabling fintech companies to deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of local merchants. We’re proud to have recently obtained this license, which positions us to better serve businesses in the UAE while maintaining the highest compliance and security standards.
We’ve also seen a significant push toward omnichannel payment solutions, which empower merchants to meet customers wherever they choose to shop whether online, in-store, or through mobile platforms and social channels. This approach is essential in today’s commerce landscape, where consumers expect a seamless and unified experience across all touch points.
I’m also proud to say that we were the first payment service provider (PSP) in Egypt to enable Apple Pay for both online and in-store transactions, equipping merchants with the most advanced tools to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
Omnichannel solutions simplify payments, they create trust and enhance customer experiences. When customers can easily transition between channels without friction, it builds loyalty and increases satisfaction. For merchants, these solutions translate directly into measurable business benefits, such as higher conversion rates, improved sales performance, and the ability to serve a broader customer base.
Omnichannel payment solutions, future-proof SMEs while driving operational efficiency and long-term growth. This is a crucial step forward for e-commerce in the region, where the demand for flexible and secure payment solutions continues to grow.
How do partnerships like this one with WooCommerce contribute to the digital transformation of SMEs?
Partnerships like these are critical because they combine global expertise with localised solutions. WooCommerce brings its global platform and ecosystem, while we provide region-specific payment tools tailored to the unique needs of MENA merchants. Together, we’re addressing pain points like cart abandonment, slow payment processing, and limited access to diverse payment methods.
Moreover, these collaborations reflect a broader ecosystem of innovation in the region, driven by public - private partnerships. Governments are playing a key role by supporting fintechs and creating regulatory frameworks that enable growth. With initiatives like our integration with WooCommerce, SMEs gain access to tools that were previously out of reach, allowing them to scale faster and compete globally.
What specific benefits does this integration offer to merchants in the region?
The integration provides a comprehensive payment solution that includes support for global and regional methods, multi-currency transactions, and mobile-optimised checkouts. Features like next-day settlements and retry options for failed transactions make it easier for merchants to manage their cash flow and improve customer satisfaction.
For new merchants, the onboarding process is incredibly simplified. Soon, our integration will allow them to activate their stores and start accepting payments same day. This level of efficiency is a game-changer, particularly for SMEs who need to get up and running quickly in a competitive market.
Looking ahead, how do you see these innovations shaping the future of e-commerce in MENA?
The future of e-commerce in MENA is deeply intertwined with innovation in payments. As the market grows, merchants will increasingly demand solutions that are secure, flexible, and capable of scaling with their needs. By combining technology with local expertise, we’re creating an ecosystem where SMEs can thrive, not just locally but globally.
Ultimately, partnerships like this one with WooCommerce demonstrate the potential of collaboration to accelerate digital transformation. With the right tools and support, SMEs in MENA are not just participants in the e-commerce boom—they’re key drivers of its success.
Q&A with Omar El Gammal, EVP of Global Business Development at Paymob