Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Morocco’s Chari has raised $12 million in Series A funding led by SPE Capital and Orange Ventures — the country’s largest to date. The YC-backed startup also secured a payment institution licence, paving the way for a merchant super app and Banking-as-a-Service offering.
PayTabs Egypt and Valu have launched a QR-powered merchant app that enables contactless smartphone payments, replacing POS hardware. The solution enhances financial inclusion, reduces costs, and supports Egypt’s digital payment transformation.
BENEFIT and Pay10 signed an MoU to enhance Bahrain’s digital payments ecosystem through interoperability, eKYC integration, and SME support. The partnership promotes secure, cross-border, and cashless transactions aligned with Bahrain’s fintech innovation and Vision 2030 goals.
Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Residence Duqm has earned two major accolades from the Luxury Travel Guide Awards 2017 — “Modern Luxury Hotel of the Year” and “Manager of the Year Oman” for Nuno Neves, Cluster General Manager of Park Inn Hotels in Oman.
The introduction of PayPal in Bangladesh marks a critical step toward global digital integration. It will not only empower freelancers and IT firms to expand their client base but also accelerate e-commerce adoption and online revenue collection across the country.
Ripple has partnered with Bahrain Fintech Bay to advance blockchain innovation, focusing on pilots, education, and institutional-grade digital asset solutions. The partnership supports Bahrain’s fintech leadership while expanding Ripple’s regional presence following its Dubai DFSA license and RLUSD stablecoin integrations.
PLDT Global has partnered with stc Pay Bahrain to allow direct cash-ins to Philippine e-wallets and e-gift purchases via the stc Pay app. The collaboration expands digital convenience for overseas Filipinos, with future plans including mobile loans, subscriptions, and Smart Virtual Numbers. The move reinforces PLDT’s fintech expansion across the Middle East.
du and Network International have formed a strategic alliance to merge telecom connectivity with advanced payment solutions, enabling UAE SMEs to streamline operations and embrace cashless, digital commerce. The partnership will integrate e-commerce gateways, POS systems, and AI-driven insights under one scalable platform, promoting financial inclusion and supporting the UAE’s digital transformation goals.
ZIGRAM and PSPAN have partnered to enhance Nepal’s AML compliance and support FATF exit efforts by deploying advanced RegTech tools across the country’s payment sector. The initiative strengthens transparency, trust, and resilience in Nepal’s growing digital finance ecosystem.
Shimanto Bank has launched Bangla QR service through its CONNECT app, enabling customers to make seamless QR-based payments nationwide. The initiative supports Bangladesh’s digital payment ecosystem and promotes secure, cashless transactions for everyday use.