As the Middle East and North Africa move beyond basic digital adoption toward a more advanced AI-driven commerce economy, the region’s definition of a seamless payment experience is rapidly evolving.

According to a new report by Checkout.com, consumers across MENA increasingly expect payments to be fast, frictionless, and almost invisible — without compromising security and trust.

The report, MENA Digital Commerce 2026: The New Era of AI in Payments, suggests that while the region is becoming increasingly prepared for AI-powered and agentic commerce, trust remains the foundation underpinning future growth in digital payments.

The findings show that 97% of consumers value “invisible” payments, in which transactions occur without manually entering payment details or being redirected between platforms. Yet despite growing demand for convenience, 62% of respondents said a secure payment process remains the most important factor when shopping online.

Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo, General Manager, MENA at Checkout.com, said consumers in the region are no longer prioritizing speed alone, but are increasingly focused on confidence, reliability, and security throughout the payment journey.

As ecommerce activity accelerates, digital payments are becoming more deeply embedded in everyday life across the region. The report found that 45% of consumers now shop online at least once a week, while nearly two-thirds expect to increase their online spending over the next 12 months.

Digital wallets are also seeing wider adoption: 64% of consumers use them monthly for purchases and financial management, and 74% rely on them for money transfers. Reflecting this momentum, Checkout.com reported a 62% year-on-year increase in total processing volume across MENA.

At the same time, the report highlights the risks merchants face when payment trust breaks down. More than a quarter of consumers said they had abandoned purchases due to security concerns, while 62% reported leaving transactions after false payment declines.

The research also points to the growing emergence of agentic commerce, in which AI systems can make purchasing decisions on behalf of consumers. Half of respondents said they would be willing to allow AI agents to shop for them, although privacy concerns remain a major barrier to wider adoption.

Consumers were most comfortable using AI to compare prices, analyze reviews, and create shopping lists, while interest is also growing in AI-assisted grocery shopping, travel bookings, and subscription management.

However, adoption remains uneven across demographics, with higher-income consumers and men showing greater openness toward AI-driven commerce than lower-income groups and women.

Beyond payments, the report reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior across the region’s digital economy. Food delivery emerged as the most frequent online spending category, followed by fashion and travel, signaling that online platforms are increasingly being used for both everyday and high-value transactions.

The report also highlighted continued growth in digital remittances, with Checkout.com recording a 169% increase in remittance volumes across MENA between 2024 and 2025.

As digital commerce becomes more automated and integrated into daily life, the report concludes that trust is no longer a competitive advantage, but a critical requirement for growth in the region’s evolving payments ecosystem.