Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
Munify has raised $3 million in seed funding led by Y Combinator to revolutionize remittances for Egyptians abroad. The platform offers instant USD accounts, virtual cards, and low-cost transfers, already securing $50M in projected monthly transactions. It plans regional expansion to build a connected Middle Eastern banking ecosystem.
Mastercard has partnered with Dubai-based fintech Qlub to advance digital dining payments across the GCC. The deal includes a minority investment and processing through Mastercard Gateway, combining secure global infrastructure with Qlub’s QR-based dining solutions. The partnership aims to scale seamless, contactless hospitality payments regionally and beyond.
Mastercard has teamed up with Jordan’s Zain Cash to expand digital payments, launch SME-focused solutions, and establish an Innovation Hub for new technologies. The partnership leverages Zain Cash’s prepaid market leadership and Mastercard’s global network to accelerate financial inclusion and transaction growth in Jordan.
Systems Limited and Mashreq have renewed and expanded their two-year technology partnership, strengthening Pakistan’s role as a regional IT hub. The collaboration enables Mashreq to accelerate digital banking initiatives, while positioning Systems Limited as a trusted partner delivering globally competitive talent and solutions to the financial services sector.