Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Vanuatu is advancing a UNDP-backed digital ID framework focused on inclusion and privacy, while Algeria is preparing to roll out eSIM technology to modernize telecom services and enhance digital security. Both moves signal broader regional momentum toward secure and connected digital economies.
Bahrain’s iGA and Beyon Connect have launched the Bulk KYC Service, allowing financial institutions to verify customer data in bulk directly against national registries. Built on the eKey 2.0 framework, the system enhances regulatory compliance, security, and user convenience. It forms part of Bahrain’s broader push toward a trusted, data-secure financial ecosystem and strengthens its position as a regional leader in digital identity innovation.
Mastercard extended its digital identity partnership with Smile ID in Africa to scale secure onboarding and fraud prevention, while also signing an MoU with the Central Bank of Syria to develop a national payments ecosystem. These initiatives aim to expand financial inclusion, enhance compliance, and build digital infrastructure in emerging markets.
Saudi Arabia will allow foreigners to own property starting 2026 through a digital ID system, enhancing transparency and investment under Vision 2030. Meanwhile, AfricAI, a new venture by global and regional partners, aims to deploy localized AI across Africa, focusing first on Nigeria before expanding continent-wide.
The DRC has partnered with Trident Digital Tech to deploy DRCPass, a blockchain-based national digital ID system. It will replace physical IDs, improve service access, enhance security, and reduce fraud, positioning the country as a regional leader in digital governance.
Digified gains FRA approval to offer AI-powered digital onboarding and eKYC services to Egypt’s NBFIs, enabling fully legal digital IDs and e-contracts and advancing financial inclusion in the MEA region.
Jordan has activated over 1.6 million digital identities through the Sanad app, integrated with IrisGuard biometrics. This initiative is part of the country’s push for full digitalization of government services, aiming for 3.5 million activated digital IDs this year. However, a World Bank report suggests improvements are needed in security and trust.
SITA and NEC have partnered to advance digital identity adoption in the travel industry, joining forces in SITA’s Digital Travel Ecosystem. This collaboration aims to simplify biometric identity verification, increase interoperability, and improve security, enhancing the passenger experience at airports and airlines worldwide.
Jordan’s upcoming Parliamentary elections will accept digital identity cards through the Sanad application, simplifying the voting process and encouraging greater participation. The IEC is digitalizing the election process to ensure transparency and speed, in line with the country’s National Digital Transformation Strategy.
Bahrain’s iGA, in collaboration with Beyon Connect, has launched eKey 2.0, a biometric authentication system to streamline access to services. This upgrade enhances security, user experience, and data privacy while supporting Bahrain’s digital transformation goals under Economic Vision 2030, providing benefits across various sectors including banking, telecommunications, and healthcare.