Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Grey and dLocal have achieved 80% quarterly payout growth in new markets, including Brazil, South Africa, and Egypt. Their partnership is enabling faster, low-cost cross-border payments, supporting Grey’s expansion and dLocal’s global growth strategy amid efforts to regain investor confidence.
Mobile money and interoperable payments are accelerating financial inclusion in Africa, processing billions in transactions and supporting regional trade. Yet digital divides, cybersecurity risks, and fragmented regulation remain barriers. Expanding infrastructure and harmonized policy will be key to sustaining growth and driving a fully integrated digital economy.
Africa’s content creation market is now worth $5.1B, projected to reach $30B by 2032. With 385M social media users and a young population, creators face monetization challenges but are leveraging YouTube, Facebook, and local platforms to grow. Rising youth-driven entrepreneurship positions Africa as a global creator economy hub.
Africa’s smartphone shipments rose 7% in Q2 2025 to 19.2M units, led by Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. Sub-$100 smartphones soared 38%, reshaping demand. Transsion held 51% market share, followed by Samsung and Xiaomi. Rural markets and fintech-driven services are emerging as key growth drivers.
Cisco and CMU-Africa warn that while Africa could add $2.9 trillion to its economy through AI by 2030, the continent must address its severe skills gap. With 75% of its population under 35 and strong entrepreneurial drive, Africa is well-placed to lead global AI innovation if investments in education, infrastructure, and collaboration accelerate.
Mastercard’s Africa AI whitepaper shows how responsible AI adoption could add billions to the economy, create 230 million jobs by 2030, and expand financial inclusion. It highlights opportunities in key countries but warns of risks from regulatory gaps and data challenges.
Tunisia hosts BIGTECH Africa Expo 2025, Africa’s premier innovation and AI event, attracting startups, investors, and experts to boost the continent’s digital transformation and global tech stature.
pawaPay and Airtel Money Africa expand inbound remittance services across seven countries, enhancing cross-border payments with real-time mobile wallet transactions to over 161 million users. The partnership aims to boost financial inclusion and simplify payments across Africa.
Algeria joined PAPSS, expanding the network to 18 African countries. The move supports reduced transaction costs and faster cross-border payments, fostering stronger economic integration and trade within the continent.
Orange’s Africa and Middle East segment led a 12.8% EBITDAaL growth, prompting the group to raise its 2025 growth target above 3%. The company reported solid H1 results, with strong Orange Money growth and a new cybersecurity division launch.