Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Algerian fintech startup Gifty launches a unified digital payments platform enabling bill payments, mobile top-ups, e-commerce purchases and digital gifting as it aims to expand financial inclusion and evolve into a neobank.
This partnership represents a critical step toward financial inclusion by bridging the gap between digital-first FinTech programs and traditional banking infrastructure. By providing a scalable foundation for future service expansions, the collaboration empowers digital operators to offer more comprehensive, user-centric financial products that are fully supported by Egypt’s established banking network.
The collaboration between a leading local telecom operator and a global tech giant highlights the increasing convergence of connectivity and fintech in emerging markets. By providing a “one-stop” digital ecosystem, the partners intend to drive the growth of the cashless economy while ensuring the platform can handle the massive transaction scales required for a nationwide rollout.
Network International has enabled Apple Pay tokenisation for four Egyptian banks under the Central Bank of Egypt’s latest licensing wave, strengthening the country’s mobile payments ecosystem.
Qatar ranks sixth globally in Islamic FinTech market size at $3.1 billion, with projections to reach $4.8 billion by 2029. The sector is set for continued expansion amid rising global demand for Sharia-compliant digital financial services.
Swypex, an Egyptian fintech startup, provides SMEs with a unified platform for payments, invoicing, expense management, and corporate cards. The solution automates workflows, offers real-time tracking, and introduces approval-limit corporate cards, enhancing budget control and reducing administrative complexity.
BENEFIT has rolled out a Digital Direct Debit service via BenefitPay, streamlining recurring payments in Bahrain. The solution enhances security, automates collections, supports ERP integration, and promotes a paperless payment model, advancing the Kingdom’s digital payments ecosystem and FinTech innovation.
WafR converts Morocco’s corner shops into digital finance hubs, offering payments, top-ups, and other financial services via a mobile platform. With 20,000 merchants onboard and plans for remittances, the startup leverages trust in neighborhood retailers to boost financial inclusion and accelerate digital service adoption.
Chief Executive Abdulwahed AlJanahi described the launch as a key milestone in enhancing Bahrain’s electronic payments infrastructure and enabling the country’s digital economy ambitions.
Mashreq has launched a digital cross-border banking service enabling UAE-based Pakistanis to remotely open and manage Mashreq Pakistan accounts through its UAE app. The service includes a unified dashboard, zero minimum balance accounts, and free instant remittances via Quick Remit, simplifying cross-border financial management.