Zain Fintech, the financial services arm of Zain Group, has introduced the ‘Bede’ Digital Wallet in Sudan. This secure platform allows Zain customers to conduct various financial transactions via mobile phones, eliminating the need for traditional bank accounts or cards. The service is compatible with both basic feature phones and smartphones, addressing the needs of Sudan’s diverse community.
The initial phase of the service includes core features such as money transfers, airtime top-ups, bill payments, merchant purchases, and cash deposits and withdrawals through a wide network of certified agents across neighborhoods and market locations. The launch event in Port Sudan was attended by key government representatives, Zain management, industry experts, banking partners, and media.
The rollout of Bede in Sudan will occur in three phases. The first phase includes the launch of the core services, while the second phase will expand the platform to include additional bank integrations and services such as electricity purchases and government transactions. The third phase will introduce banking services, international remittance, savings and financing products, and full interoperability with all banks in Sudan.
Malek Hammoud, Group Chief Investment and Digital Officer at Zain, highlighted that Bede marks a significant milestone in Zain’s digital transformation efforts, promoting financial inclusion and empowering Sudanese families, women, and youth. Having already been successfully launched in Bahrain, Bede has earned a strong reputation for its efficiency and reliability. Zain aims to replicate this success in Sudan and other markets as part of its ‘4WARD-Progress with Purpose’ strategy, which focuses on expanding regional leadership in the fintech sector.
