The announcement comes on the heels of the official launch of Apple Pay, and the Central Bank of Egypt’s (CBE) introduction of payment card tokenization on mobile applications.
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
Google is gearing up to introduce its mobile payement features to its Google Wallet (also known as Google Pay) in Egypt soon, further expanding the digital payment landscape in the country, according to a Google Wallet release note on December 19th.
Responding to news outlets, Google’s spokesperson released a statement, seen by Business Today Egypt, that highlights that a “passes-only” version of Google Wallet is already available in the country.
The spokesperson added that it plans to launch its e-payment features once it has completed the necessary agreements with Egypt’s financial institutions.
The announcement comes on the heels of the official launch of Apple Pay, and the Central Bank of Egypt’s (CBE) introduction of payment card tokenization on mobile applications.
Unlike Apple Pay, which is limited to certain Apple products, Google Wallet is compatible with a wider range of devices, making it more accessible for a broader audience.
Google Wallet, launched in 2011, has become a key player in the mobile payment sector, offering users the ability to store their card information securely on their smartphones and make payments directly from their devices.
The app's features include the ability to make payments, much like Apple Pay, allowing users to pay for goods and services using their phones. Google Wallet also enables users to integrate a variety of items, including loyalty cards, metro cards, entertainment tickets, and more, into their digital wallet, providing a comprehensive and convenient solution for everyday transactions.
Business Today could not confirm with the Central Bank of Egypt whether it has officially approved the wallet’s entry to the local market.
In terms of adoption, Apple Pay’s Tap to Pay feature can be used by merchants within the Paymob network. There is no confirmation from other POS vendors at this time.
[Updated on December 29 to include a recent clarification by Google, noting that Google Wallet has been available in Egypt since December.]
