Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
MoneyHash partnered with Saudi Amwal Tech to expand local payment options and installment plans for merchants. The collaboration strengthens MoneyHash’s presence in Saudi Arabia and simplifies how businesses add new payment methods, supporting stronger digital payment adoption and more flexible customer experiences across the region.
Visa has launched a new regional hub объединяющий Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman under one leadership structure as part of its CEMEA growth strategy. Led by Group Country Manager Ali Bailoun from Riyadh, the hub aims to accelerate digital payments, strengthen collaboration with banks, fintechs, and merchants, and support national transformation agendas such as Saudi Vision 2030. The move enhances Visa’s agility and regional impact.
Abu Dhabi has launched the FinTech, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Assets (FIDA) cluster to accelerate growth in next-generation financial services. Approved by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and unveiled at Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025, the initiative is projected to add AED56 billion to GDP by 2045, create 8,000 jobs, and attract AED17 billion in investment. The cluster will strengthen digital assets, fintech, insurance, ESG finance, and alternative investments while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global financial innovation hub.
Rostro Group has entered the UAE fintech market after receiving a Category 5 licence from the Securities and Commodities Authority. The approval enables the group to expand its institutional and retail trading services across the GCC through its Scope Prime and Scope Markets brands. Backed by a fast-growing fintech ecosystem and strong regulatory support, Rostro’s move reinforces the UAE’s position as the leading fintech hub in the MENA region.
MAM Telecom, a Ugandan fintech focused on solving mobile money float shortages, has been selected for FasterCapital’s EquityPilot program to raise $5 million in seed funding. The startup is building East Africa’s first 24/7 digital liquidity platform to provide instant mobile money float to agents and merchants. The funding will support licensing, technology, reserves, hiring, and nationwide rollout starting in 2026. The initiative addresses a major gap in Uganda’s fast-growing mobile money economy.
PayPal’s planned launch in Bangladesh is expected to transform the country’s digital commerce by enabling SMEs, freelancers, and startups to receive global payments securely and efficiently. The platform could boost exports, improve cash flow, enhance transparency, and expand global market access, positioning Bangladesh for a new era of digital-led economic growth.
Pakistan has emerged as South Asia’s fastest-rising fintech market, backed by a sharp funding rebound, supportive regulations and a shift toward formal digital-asset oversight. With nearly 450 startups, new digital banks, bank–fintech partnerships and global engagement in crypto governance, Pakistan now leads regional fintech momentum ahead of Bangladesh and Nepal.
Beyon Solutions and Bahrain FinTech Bay have signed an MoU to accelerate cloud adoption and strengthen digital transformation across Bahrain’s financial sector. The partnership focuses on supporting fintech startups and scale-ups with digital services, workshops, and ecosystem engagement, reinforcing Bahrain’s ambition to become a leading regional hub for innovation and technology growth.
The Central Bank of Oman has launched Maal, the Sultanate’s first national payment card, offering free debit and prepaid cards and lower processing fees for banks and merchants. The initiative aims to strengthen local payment sovereignty, reduce reliance on international schemes, cut transaction costs, and advance Oman’s broader digital economy goals.
Digital transformation is accelerating across GCC capital markets, with tokenised sukuk, smart sukuk platforms, and blockchain-based settlement gaining momentum. Fitch says adoption will rise gradually as regulators and Shariah bodies define clear frameworks. Strong market activity, rising fintech participation, and new retail platforms position the GCC to lead the next era of Islamic finance.