Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Aani, the UAE’s central bank-backed instant payment platform, has enrolled 1.5 million users and is on track to drive further digital payments adoption. The platform facilitates real-time transfers via mobile numbers, emails, and QR codes, with plans for expanded features like QR payments for businesses, international remittances, and direct debits.
Kuwait International Bank (KIB) has launched “Fast Transfer,” a new international remittance service in collaboration with Visa. Available through KIB’s mobile banking app, the service offers instant, transparent, and fee-free transfers to 40 international destinations. This service enhances KIB’s position as a leader in digital banking innovation in Kuwait.
Basata has increased its stake in MadfoatCom to 25%, reinforcing its role in advancing digital payments and financial inclusion in Jordan. This collaboration, alongside Jordan Kuwait Bank and the Social Security Investment Fund, will drive innovative payment solutions for businesses and consumers, focusing on SMEs.
Souhoola and Visa have partnered to launch a prepaid card through Banque Misr, aimed at enhancing financial inclusion in Egypt. The card allows flexible payments and seamless shopping, aligning with Egypt’s Vision 2030. The service will help customers manage expenses and make informed financial decisions, launching in 2025.
The UAE’s fintech sector contributes 8.7% to the country’s GDP, with plans to increase this to 12% by 2031. The country is also focusing on the space economy and agricultural innovation, driving growth in new sectors. Additionally, 200,000 new business licenses were issued in 2024, boosting economic activity.
Fawry has made strategic investments totaling EGP 80 million in three Egyptian tech companies—Dirac Systems, Virtual CFO, and Code Zone. These investments expand Fawry’s “Fawry Business” suite, enhancing its ERP, financial management, and digital payment solutions for businesses, driving Egypt’s digital transformation and contributing to its cashless economy.
Basata has increased its stake in MadfoatCom to 25%, strengthening its role in advancing digital payments and financial inclusion in Jordan. The partnership, backed by Jordan Kuwait Bank and the Social Security Investment Fund, focuses on enhancing digital payment solutions, money transfers, and supporting SMEs through financial tools.
Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the UAE account for more than half of the global Islamic fintech firms. The market, valued at $161 billion in 2023/24, is projected to grow to $306 billion by 2028. Saudi Arabia leads as the dominant hub, with challenges like capital access impacting growth.
Visa has launched the Tap-to-Add Card technology in Jordan, allowing users to securely add Visa contactless cards to digital wallets with a tap. This innovation simplifies digital payment processes, enhances security, and encourages the adoption of digital wallets in Jordan, benefiting both consumers and the payments ecosystem.
Entlaq, in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Embassy of the Netherlands, launched a Fintech Report highlighting Egypt’s growing financial technology sector. The report outlines key trends, challenges, and opportunities, positioning Egypt as a leader in MENA’s fintech space and emphasizing the importance of financial inclusion.