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Blackhawk Network Inc said it will be working with Opengate Technologies to address the needs of African markets. In a statement, Blackhawk Network said its first commercial agreement will bring iTunes Gift Cards to South Africa.

Based in Pleasanton, California, Blackhawk Network is a prepaid payment network that works to distribute a wide range of prepaid products through physical or digital means. Using proprietary technology, the company gives consumers with a variety of gift cards, airtime cards, prepaid telecom handsets and general purpose reloadable cards in its network of more than 100,000 stores.

Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, Opengate is a technology business that concentrates on developing physical and digital distribution network for prepaid vouchers. It is a subsidiary of third party gift card distributor Value+Nettwork.

In a statement, Blackhaw Network said the partnership highlights its interest in the emerging markets. Through the agreement, it is expected that iTunes Gift Cards will be issued nationally in over 700 stores across 10 leading retailers. This includes Walmart division Massmart and its brands namely Makro, Game and Dion Weird. It would also be distributed through supermarket chain Pick n Pay, electronics retail chain Incredible Connection and CNA. Digicape, iStore and official Apple Premium Resellers will also be offering the cards, the statement read.

Jim Strabo, Blackhawk Network's Managing Director EMEA, said they are pleased to work together with Opengate for the firm's entry to what he calls an "exciting market." He added, "This launch continues Blackhawk's global expansion and speaks volumes about future prospects of prepaid products in South Africa. By combining our extensive network of global content brands with Opengate's distribution networks, we believe that the South African market will grow into a meaningful region for all of us."

Opengate Chief Executive Officer Anton Maybery said the partnership will allow their firm to offer their distribution partners with a wide array of world-leading brands in the prepaid digital space.