Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Morocco has partnered with Al Barid Bank to digitize scholarship payments for vocational trainees, ensuring faster, transparent, and traceable disbursements. Covering 35,000 beneficiaries annually, the initiative expands access through a digital platform, merit-based criteria, and financial services packages, reinforcing vocational training’s role in national development.
Algeria has signed a $300 million agreement with Nigeria to export two million Algerian-made payment terminals, boosting its presence in Africa’s digital technology market. The deal reflects Algeria’s push to strengthen local manufacturing, advance regional integration, and support Africa’s transition to digital financial solutions.
Taly has named Tawfik Mahmoud as its new CEO and Managing Director, effective August 2025. With over 24 years of fintech leadership experience, Mahmoud is tasked with driving innovation, strengthening partnerships, and expanding Taly’s role in Egypt’s digital payments ecosystem and the broader regional market.
Mastercard has teamed up with Jordan’s Zain Cash to expand digital payments, launch SME-focused solutions, and establish an Innovation Hub for new technologies. The partnership leverages Zain Cash’s prepaid market leadership and Mastercard’s global network to accelerate financial inclusion and transaction growth in Jordan.
Basata Holding will invest $7 million in 2026 while preparing new investment services and regional expansion into Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Kurdistan. The company, already serving over 120,000 merchants, aims to reach 150,000 this year and strengthen its leadership in Egypt’s fast-growing digital payments sector.
Nepal recorded Rs 98.43 trillion in electronic transactions in FY 2024/25, a 71% jump from the previous year. RTGS dominated with Rs 74.9 trillion, while mobile banking, QR codes, and e-commerce payments also grew, reflecting strong momentum toward a cashless economy.
IBA Group and Berexia Payment have partnered with Al Barid Bank and Royal Air Maroc to launch a SoftPOS solution in Morocco, enabling merchants and airlines to accept contactless payments via smartphones and tablets. The move strengthens Morocco’s digital payments growth and enhances passenger travel experiences.
Qatar processed $4.4B in digital payments during July 2025, with cards accounting for 75% of activity, led by POS and e-commerce. Instant payments via Fawran crossed $896M, while QMP wallets reached 1.2M. The trends reflect Qatar’s push toward financial inclusion and a cash-light economy.
Zain Cash has partnered with the Jordan Agricultural Engineers Association to enable fee and subscription payments through its app. The initiative supports financial inclusion, strengthens the role of agricultural engineers, and reinforces Zain Cash’s leadership in Jordan’s digital financial services ecosystem.
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.