Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
VEON will invest $20 million in Mobilink Bank to scale MSME financing and expand digital Islamic banking in Pakistan. The move builds on earlier funding and reinforces VEON’s confidence in the country’s fast-growing digital financial services ecosystem.
DIB Pakistan has partnered with Zindigi to offer a Shariah-compliant current account operated directly through the Zindigi app. The collaboration aims to expand digital banking access, enhance financial inclusion, and support the growth of Islamic fintech services in Pakistan.
The National Bank of Bahrain has launched the Thara’a Mobile Experience Hub, a roaming pop-up roadshow that brings interactive digital banking experiences to communities across the Kingdom. Featuring games, challenges, and instant rewards, the initiative aims to boost engagement, promote financial awareness, and strengthen NBB’s community connection.
ONE App, powered by Al Salam Bank, has won the Best Project for Digital Transformation at the 2025 eGovernment Excellence Awards. The honour recognises the platform’s role in reshaping Bahrain’s financial sector through smart, integrated digital services that enhance user experience, strengthen sector-wide innovation, and contribute to national digital transformation goals.
Oman’s fintech market is projected to reach $2.8B in 2025, driven by new digital-bank rules, an active sandbox, and strong AI-led innovation. With 42 firms now licensed and rapid investment inflows, Oman is positioning itself as a leading GCC fintech destination under Vision 2040.
Oman’s FinTech Market to Hit RO 1.1 Billion by 2025, Fueling Investor Confidence and Startup Innovation
Oman’s financial sector is undergoing a transformative shift, with the FinTech market projected to reach RO 1.1 billion by 2025, representing a 16% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The forecast, revealed at the “Building a Future-Ready Bank” summit by IBS Intelligence and Cedar, signals Oman’s emergence as a regional hub for financial innovation.
The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has been pivotal in this rise through its Innovation Acceleration Programme and Regulatory Sandbox, fostering pilot projects, testing new technologies, and enabling a tiered digital-bank licensing framework. This forward-looking regulatory environment has propelled the number of FinTech firms from 26 to 42 within a year, with 16 new licenses issued in 2025 and 52 more under review.
Key growth areas include digital payments (22%), personal finance, trading, and crowdfunding (19% each) — signaling strong demand for financial inclusion and smarter investment solutions. Oman’s push toward a digital-first financial system is reinforced by its national AI policy, alignment with Oman Vision 2040, and global recognition as the fourth-best developing economy for ICT-related FDI.
Backed by initiatives like the RO 25 million Inma Fund for SMEs and 14.5 million digital transactions via OmanNet in early 2025, the Sultanate’s FinTech ecosystem offers fertile ground for both local entrepreneurs and global investors. This convergence of innovation, regulation, and investment is positioning Oman as a regional leader in digital finance and technology-driven growth.
HSBC Qatar hosted its CIB Networking Event in Doha, uniting over 70 clients to explore digital solutions driving resilience, efficiency, and growth. Showcasing Treasury APIs, TradePay, and FX Evolve, the event reinforced HSBC’s digital leadership and its alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Zong and Zindigi have partnered to deliver G2P payments via branchless banking, enabling M-Wallets for Zong customers in underserved areas. The initiative ensures secure, timely aid distribution, boosts financial inclusion, and strengthens Pakistan’s digital banking ecosystem through public-private collaboration.
Mastercard and Jordan Islamic Bank have partnered to expand Shari’ah-compliant digital payment solutions in Jordan. The collaboration will enhance JIB’s card offerings with Mastercard’s advanced payment technologies, focusing on secure, accessible, and value-driven services that align with Islamic banking principles.
This partnership advances Bahrain’s digital banking capabilities, aligning with national economic goals by integrating innovative IT solutions to enhance resilience and customer service.