Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
SPAYZ.io is expanding into South Africa, Egypt, and Cameroon, offering EFT Bank Transfers and Mobile Money solutions to capture growing digital payment markets. This research-driven expansion targets long-term stability in Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy, set to reach USD 1.5 trillion by 2030.
DG Financial Technology and au Financial Service launch NESTA, a secure, scalable payment platform supporting 40+ payment methods with tokenization and zero downtime. Aligned with KDDI’s growth strategy, NESTA enhances Japan’s digital payments ecosystem, starting with au and UQ mobile services and planning wider expansion.
Benefit highlighted Bahrain’s financial sector as a key driver of Economic Vision 2030 at the Kuwait Public Relations Conference. Emphasizing digital transformation and fintech innovation, Benefit showcased its role in financial inclusion and attracting foreign investment, aligning with national strategies and advancing sustainable economic growth.
Crédit Coopératif plans to acquire fintech Anytime from Orange Bank, enhancing its digital services for associations and social economy organizations. The acquisition supports Crédit Coopératif’s 2025-2030 strategic plan to expand its digital offering and increase market share in the association segment with innovative, tailored financial solutions.
Benefit spotlights Bahrain’s fintech sector as a cornerstone of Economic Vision 2030 at Kuwait PR conference. Emphasizes digital innovation, financial inclusion, and the kingdom’s attractiveness for foreign investment.
Jordanian banks hired 2,613 new employees in 2024, half recent graduates, but face a skills mismatch amid digital transformation. The ABJ calls for education reforms and stronger academia-industry partnerships to equip graduates with skills in AI, cybersecurity, and fintech to meet evolving banking demands.
Thndr raised $15.7 million led by Prosus to expand its digital investment platform in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It launched Thndr Alpha and ThndrX for beginners and professionals and seeks an asset management license in Egypt. Thndr continues to democratize investing for underserved MENA populations.
AL Ahly Momken and Post Distribution CO-PDC have partnered to establish a new branch network across Egypt, promoting financial inclusion and digital transformation. Initial branches in Cairo and Port Said will offer e-wallet, KYC, and payment services, focusing on reaching underserved regions and supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals.
Mastercard strengthens leadership in West Arabia with Saud Swar’s appointment, aiming to expand inclusive digital financial services across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Levant.
Mastercard and LankaPay have partnered to enhance Sri Lanka’s digital economy through three key initiatives: co-branded debit cards, low-cost QR payments for tourists, and AI-powered fraud detection. These efforts aim to improve financial inclusion, support SMEs, and boost tourism-driven revenue, advancing the country’s digital transformation.