Orange and Eutelsat have partnered to provide satellite-based broadband connectivity in underserved regions of Africa and the Middle East. The initiative will enhance digital inclusion by offering high-speed internet access to remote areas, initially covering Jordan, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with future expansions.
Careem Pay has expanded its remittance service to Egypt, allowing UAE residents to send money directly to bank accounts in Egypt quickly and at competitive rates. The service offers near-instant transfers and lower fees than banks, catering to the large Egyptian expat population in the UAE, especially during Ramadan.
Mohammad Mehdi Hadavi visited the Iranian Electronic Industries Company, highlighting the importance of knowledge-based companies in advancing telecommunications and space technology. The company’s achievements include the development of domestically produced telecommunications processors, which aim to replace foreign models and enhance security, adaptability, and data safety for the Iranian telecom sector.
Visa has launched the Tap-to-Add Card feature in Egypt, allowing cardholders to easily add Visa contactless cards to digital wallets with a simple tap. This innovation enhances security by eliminating manual entry and offers a faster, safer alternative to traditional methods, supporting Egypt’s digital payment landscape and cashless goals.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly reviewed Egypt’s digital transformation progress, highlighting efforts to deliver government services electronically and automate company licensing. Key initiatives include digitising services like traffic violation inquiries and launching the Unified Services Card in Port Said. The government is also improving digital infrastructure and automating business processes.
Fintech Galaxy and ProgressSoft have partnered to promote Open Banking adoption and ensure regulatory compliance across the MENA region. The collaboration enhances financial institutions’ ability to simplify compliance, boost digital transactions, and integrate Open Banking into existing financial systems, driving innovation and scalability in the sector.
The NPRA has launched its services on the MyGov app, following directives from Bahrain’s leadership. Initially, the app offers passport and residency services, with plans to expand. MyGov integrates 41 services from nine entities, providing citizens and residents secure, unified access to various government services for easier access and efficiency.
Xsolla has expanded its payment options in the MENA region, introducing 11 local payment methods across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Bahrain. This expansion addresses challenges such as limited payment accessibility and strengthens the company’s ability to support the fast-growing gaming market in the region, enhancing revenue opportunities for developers.
Muscat Governorate has been ranked in the Advanced Tier for digital transformation under the Tahawul programme, following the digitisation of 24 municipal services. This achievement highlights Muscat’s commitment to Oman Vision 2040 and sets a benchmark for smart governance, improving accessibility, transparency, and efficiency for residents and businesses.
ORA Technologies, a Morocco-based superapp, has raised $1.9 million in a pre-Series A round, bringing its total funding to $4.4 million. The company plans to expand its financial services platform, ORA Cash, and e-commerce marketplace, KooulMaroc, aiming to enhance digital payments and financial inclusion in Morocco.
