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.
Dialog Axiata reported a strong performance in Q1 2025, with revenue reaching Rs 43.3 billion, a 4% increase YoY. EBITDA grew 45% YoY to Rs 19.7 billion, with an EBITDA margin of 45.5%. NPAT rose 49% YoY to Rs 4.1 billion. The company also reported significant tax contributions and robust cash flow.
Standard Chartered has launched the third edition of its ‘Women in Tech’ accelerator programme in Saudi Arabia, in partnership with Falak Investment Hub. The programme supports women-led startups with tech-driven solutions, offering mentorship, masterclasses, and $45,000 in grants to top performers. Applications are open until June 27, 2025.
Saudi Arabia has launched a new service via the Tawakkalna app for displaying all official Hajj 2025 permits. Integrated with the Tasreeh platform, the service allows both domestic and international pilgrims to access various permits required for the pilgrimage. Strict regulations are in place to prevent unauthorized pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector saw a 73.4% year-on-year increase in MADA card transactions in March 2025, totaling SR27.55 billion ($7.34 billion). This surge is driven by the widespread adoption of MADA cards, government initiatives, and improved consumer trust, marking significant growth in the Kingdom’s digital payment ecosystem.
Huawei showcased advanced cybersecurity solutions at GISEC GLOBAL, focusing on AI-driven innovations like the OceanProtect E8000 data protection system and the Xinghe Intelligent Unified SASE Solution. The company highlighted its AI-powered security models and strategic partnerships, reinforcing its role as a leader in digital security and regional collaboration.
MedIQ, a health tech platform based in Pakistan, raised $6 million in Series A funding to expand its operations across the GCC. With the backing of Rasmal Ventures and Joa Capital, MedIQ aims to strengthen its tech stack and scale in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and neighboring markets.
FRiENDi Mobile has launched FRiENDi Pay, a mobile wallet service in Oman, enabling local and international money transfers, bill payments, and wallet top-ups. The service also supports remittances to countries like India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. It is fully compliant with Oman’s financial regulations and offers encrypted transactions.
Huawei Nepal has opened applications for its ‘Seeds for the Future 2025’ CSR programme, targeting Nepali undergraduate IT students. The initiative offers training in digital technologies, including AI and 5G, with top-performing students earning the chance to attend advanced sessions and competitions in China. Applications are open until May 25.
Karnali Province’s ‘Digital Karnali’ initiative faces criticism as remote areas continue to struggle with basic infrastructure like electricity and internet access. Despite high-profile events and funding, the region’s digital transformation remains hindered by unspent funds, lack of infrastructure, and slow implementation, leaving the campaign’s success uncertain.
