Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) has partnered with Fonepay to launch UPI-enabled cross-border payments between India and Nepal. Indian consumers can now make UPI payments in Nepal, while Nepalese merchants can accept UPI payments from Indian customers, fostering stronger economic ties and enhancing digital payment integration between the nations.
The Alipay+ partnership in Sri Lanka enables over 400,000 LANKAQR merchants to accept cross-border mobile payments from tourists using 14 international e-wallets. This initiative supports Sri Lanka’s tourism growth and enhances payment convenience for visitors. The launch is set to drive more foreign exchange and digital transformation in the country.
WE has partnered with Commercial International Bank (CIB) to offer tailored financial services to WE customers across Egypt. This collaboration aims to enhance financial inclusion, promote financial literacy, and integrate the informal economy into the formal financial sector, contributing to Egypt’s digital transformation and improving access to banking services.
Visa’s latest ‘Stay Secure’ study shows that 94 percent of Kuwaiti consumers are taking extra steps to secure their digital transactions. The study also reveals a significant rise in confidence towards digital payments, with 79 percent of consumers expecting increased usage, despite the growing scope of digital fraud.
Telecom Egypt’s WE has partnered with Commercial International Bank (CIB) to provide innovative digital financial services to millions of customers across Egypt. This collaboration aims to enhance financial inclusion and promote the integration of banking services within the WE digital ecosystem, contributing to Egypt’s digital transformation goals.
Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait-Egypt has partnered with Visa to enhance digital payment solutions in Egypt. The strategic agreement will introduce new products, focusing on innovation and security to cater to diverse customer needs. The partnership aims to boost Egypt’s digital transformation and promote the adoption of electronic payments.
NymCard has raised $33 million in Series B funding, led by QED Investors, to enhance its embedded finance platform across MENA. The investment will strengthen its payment infrastructure solutions in card issuing, embedded lending, and money movement. NymCard’s modular APIs empower businesses to innovate and scale across diverse markets.
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank is hosting a digital payments promotion event in Nuwara Eliya to encourage mobile payment app registrations. The event will provide a platform for service providers and MSMEs to showcase mobile payment tools, offering discounts and fostering awareness of secure, cost-effective digital transactions.
Basata Pay is transforming Egypt’s financial landscape by offering secure, user-friendly digital payment solutions. With over 40 million users, the platform connects service providers, merchants, and consumers, allowing seamless payments for various services. Spanning all 27 governorates, it boasts 150,000 points of sale nationwide, driving financial inclusion.
Thawani Technologies has secured a spot on Forbes Middle East’s Top 50 Fintech Companies for the second year, advancing to 36th place in 2025. The company’s growing influence in Oman’s fintech sector reflects its commitment to digital transformation and financial inclusion, aligning with Oman Vision 2040.