Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Visa has launched the world’s first locally hosted Visa Acceptance Platform in Saudi Arabia, enabling faster, more secure digital payments. Supporting mada and digital wallets, the move aligns with SAMA regulations and Vision 2030, helping merchants boost efficiency, approval rates, and customer experience in the Kingdom’s cashless economy.
Google Pay and Alipay have launched in Saudi Arabia, supporting Vision 2030’s cashless economy goals. Their entry expands digital payment options, boosts financial inclusion, and strengthens the fintech ecosystem while fueling e-commerce and retail growth across the Kingdom.
Cash Plus and PayPal have launched Morocco’s first digital withdrawal service, allowing PayPal users to instantly access funds in dirhams via the Cash Plus Mobile app. The partnership supports Morocco’s financial inclusion goals and growing digital economy while empowering freelancers and businesses with a secure, branch-free solution.
Warba Bank hosted executives from Keeta to showcase its advanced banking and digital innovation capabilities. The visit explored future collaboration in digital financial solutions, reinforcing Warba’s role in supporting startups, enhancing consumer services, and advancing Kuwait’s digital economy in line with its vision, “Let’s Own Tomorrow.”
Thunes has rolled out a real-time money transfer service in Morocco, enabling instant payouts in Dirhams. With Morocco receiving $11.5 billion in remittances in 2023, the service leverages direct bank integrations to ensure faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border payments, enhancing financial inclusion.
Egypt’s mobile wallet sector saw an 80% increase in transactions in Q2 2025, reaching 718 million, with a total value of EGP 943 billion. Active wallets rose to 46.3 million, led by Vodafone Cash. NTRA introduced new fraud-prevention rules and approved remittance services to boost adoption and security.
Algeria has signed a $300 million agreement with Nigeria to export two million Algerian-made payment terminals, boosting its presence in Africa’s digital technology market. The deal reflects Algeria’s push to strengthen local manufacturing, advance regional integration, and support Africa’s transition to digital financial solutions.
Thunes has launched instant cross-border payments in Morocco, allowing real-time dirham transfers to local bank accounts. The expansion meets rising remittance demand into North Africa and builds on Thunes’ global payments network spanning 130 countries, 80 currencies, and 320 payment methods.
Algeria’s INATEL has partnered with China’s Morefun to supply Nigeria with two million POS terminals under a $300m deal. The initiative supports Algeria’s export diversification, Nigeria’s digital payment expansion, and AfCFTA’s push for stronger intra-African trade through locally made technology solutions.
Money20/20 Middle East will debut in Riyadh this September with founding partners including AlRajhi Bank, Riyad Bank, STC Bank, Saudi National Bank, Tamara, Visa, and Vision Bank. The event expects 45,000+ attendees, 600 investors, and 450 exhibitors, cementing Saudi Arabia’s role as a rising global fintech hub.