Telenor Explores Sale of Easypaisa Stake as Part of Pakistan Exit Strategy

Norwegian telecommunications giant Telenor is reportedly exploring the sale of its stake in Easypaisa, one of Pakistan’s leading digital banking and mobile payments platforms, as it continues to streamline its international portfolio and complete its exit from the South Asian market.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Telenor has engaged Citigroup to advise on a potential transaction involving its shareholding in Easypaisa. The company will seek interest from prospective buyers in the coming months, with the stake potentially valued at several hundred million dollars.

Telenor Explores Sale of Easypaisa Stake as Part of Pakistan Exit Strategy

While discussions remain at an early stage and no final decision has been made, the move signals Telenor’s intent to divest its remaining major asset in Pakistan following its departure from the country’s mobile telecommunications sector.

Easypaisa, which has grown into one of Pakistan’s most recognized digital financial services platforms, plays a significant role in facilitating digital payments, money transfers, and financial inclusion across the country. The platform has built a large customer base and remains a key player in Pakistan’s rapidly expanding fintech ecosystem.

China’s Ant Group holds the remaining stake in Easypaisa. Neither Telenor, Citigroup, nor Ant Group has publicly commented on the reported sale process.

The potential divestment follows Telenor’s earlier decision to exit Pakistan’s telecom market through a transaction valued at approximately $490 million. Should the Easypaisa sale proceed, it would mark Telenor’s complete withdrawal from Pakistan after nearly two decades of operations in the country.

The development also reflects a broader trend of multinational corporations reassessing their presence in Pakistan. In recent years, several international companies, including Procter & Gamble and Shell, have reduced or exited parts of their local operations amid changing business priorities and evolving market dynamics.

Industry observers will closely monitor the sale process, as Easypaisa’s strong market position and extensive digital banking infrastructure could attract interest from strategic investors seeking exposure to Pakistan’s growing digital finance sector.