Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan has launched 10 million digital wallets under BISP, linking them to CNICs with biometric safeguards to ensure transparency and efficiency. Paired with free SIM cards and digital literacy training, the initiative aims to modernize social protection, empower women, and accelerate the country’s transition toward a cashless economy.
Orange Egypt has partnered exclusively with Saudi fintech Enjaz Payment Services to enable free, seamless remittances from Saudi Arabia to Egypt through Orange Cash. Customers benefit from zero transfer fees and EGP 500 cashback, as Orange continues expanding its international remittance services.
Stripe unveiled stablecoin and AI product updates at Stripe Tour Singapore 2025, signaling rapid adoption in Asia’s internet economy. With 73% of businesses optimistic about global expansion, Stripe is expanding programmable financial services, fraud prevention, and cross-border solutions to fuel the region’s digital growth.
Degas Limited is investing US$100 million to make Ghana Africa’s first AI-powered agricultural hub. The initiative will scale satellite monitoring, precision agronomy, and farmer financing, supporting over 86,000 smallholders to date. The investment aligns with Ghana’s strategy for integrated value chains, food security, and rural job creation.
Fintech Farm has launched Tezbank in Uzbekistan with Hamkorbank, offering a fully digital, branchless neobank experience. The app provides free cards, credit up to 50,000 soms, cashback up to 10%, and interactive features. The Ukrainian startup now runs neobanks in five countries, with further expansion ahead.
Whish Money has partnered with Mastercard to enable fast, secure remittances to and from Lebanon. Users can now send money to 50+ countries through the Whish Money app, benefiting from Mastercard Move’s global reach. The initiative strengthens financial inclusion in Lebanon, where remittances remain a critical lifeline.
Qatar’s digital payments ecosystem processed QR16.1bn in July, driven by QR12.6bn in card transactions and QR3.3bn through Fawran instant transfers. POS spending dominated, while e-commerce continued strong growth. QMP, though still small, showed rising adoption. The data highlights Qatar’s progress toward a cash-light, inclusive financial system.
IBA Group and Berexia have partnered with Al Barid Bank and Royal Air Maroc to launch a SoftPOS solution at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport. The service allows travelers to make secure contactless payments via smartphones and cards, with plans to expand to other airports, including Paris Orly.
Saudi Arabia’s Absher platform processed over 43 million transactions in July 2025, including 40.6M through Absher Individuals and 2.7M through Absher Business. With 28M unified digital identities issued, Absher strengthens access to 500+ entities via Nafath, reinforcing its role in the Kingdom’s digital transformation.
QNB has become the first bank in the GCC to enable unified digital wallet acceptance via Mastercard Gateway hosted checkout. The integration simplifies merchant onboarding, accelerates e-commerce adoption, and enhances secure digital payments, reinforcing QNB’s leadership in payment innovation and Mastercard’s vision for an inclusive digital economy.