Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
BENEFIT and Ant International have partnered to launch Alipay+ cross-border QR payments in Bahrain starting in 2026. The initiative will allow over 15,000 merchants to accept international wallet payments and will later enable outbound payments for Bahraini consumers. The partnership supports Bahrain’s digital economy strategy and strengthens its position as a regional fintech hub.
BENEFIT and Ant International are partnering to link Bahrain’s national QR system with Alipay+, enabling international travellers to pay at Bahraini merchants using partner wallets starting in 2026. The agreement also explores outbound QR usage for Bahraini consumers. The initiative strengthens Bahrain’s digital payments ecosystem and deepens its integration with global fintech networks.
Alipay+ and Kaspi.kz have enabled international cross-border QR payments in Kazakhstan, making it the first country in Central Asia to adopt Alipay+. Covering nationwide merchants, the move supports tourism growth, builds on regional expansion efforts, and connects global travelers to local businesses.
Kazakhstan now accepts Alipay+ payments via Kaspi QR, making it the first in Central Asia to enable cross-border QR payments. The move supports record tourism growth, expands merchant reach, and deepens the Alipay+–Kaspi.kz partnership for both inbound and outbound mobile payments.
Travelers from Asia and Europe can now make mobile payments at over 875,000 merchants in Nepal, thanks to a partnership between Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL) and Ant International. The service, which supports multiple payment apps, aims to boost tourism and enhance global payment connectivity in Nepal.