Global expansion guide to high-growth markets: Comprehensive review & future outlook

Driven by rapid digitization, evolving consumer expectations, and the rise of localized payment ecosystems, high-growth markets and their economies are where the next era of digital commerce is being forged. By 2027, emerging markets are projected to account for a growing share of global eCommerce volume - a shift that underscores their accelerating influence on global trade.

For merchants, these markets represent far more than short-term opportunities. They are engines of sustained growth - gateways to new customer bases, diverse digital ecosystems, and financial inclusion at unprecedented scale. Across regions such as Latin America, South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, payment innovation and digital adoption are reshaping how businesses engage with consumers and build for the future.

This fifth edition of Nuvei’s Global Expansion Guide brings together all our insights from eight high-growth markets analyzed across the series - Colombia, the UAE, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Hong Kong, Chile, and India - each representing a unique intersection of innovation, inclusion, and economic potential.

What this means for merchants

Covering a collective population of 2B+ consumers, this report provides a comprehensive view of the trends shaping global eCommerce. From payment method preferences and mobile adoption rates, to regulatory frameworks and digital infrastructure maturity, we look at every fundamental a merchant might consider. Designed to help you localize and compete effectively, it combines market intelligence, practical guidance, and Nuvei’s own expertise in powering global expansion.

About the Guide

Over five editions, the Global Expansion Guide series has provided a data-driven lens on the world’s most dynamic digital economies. From understanding local payment preferences and infrastructure to decoding regulatory nuances, each report is built to help merchants identify, enter, and scale successfully in high-growth markets.

At Nuvei, we combine global payment expertise with a consultative approach - offering not just technology, but actionable market insights. Our mission is to help businesses expand internationally with confidence, agility, and deep local relevance.

The fifth edition closes this series with a global view of opportunity, setting the stage for what’s next in the digital evolution of commerce.

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