Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Emirates NBD Egypt has launched Apple Pay, enabling secure, contactless payments across Apple devices with Face ID and tokenized security. The service supports in-store and online transactions, includes 50% cashback at launch, and aligns with Egypt’s national push toward digital financial transformation.
Orange Money sponsored the UNDP Digital Payments Forum in Jordan, supporting financial inclusion initiatives focused on women, farmers, and small-scale producers. The forum, held in Sweimeh, highlighted safe and accessible digital payment solutions aligned with Jordan’s national financial inclusion and digital transformation strategies.
Visa has created a new Egypt-Libya-Sudan sub-region to accelerate digital payments and financial inclusion, appointing Malak El Baba as country manager. The move strengthens regional integration, deepens partnerships, and supports government-led digital transformation across North Africa.
Google Pay is now available for Mastercard cardholders in Saudi Arabia, expanding contactless mobile payment options and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 push toward a cashless digital economy.
Pakistan has launched a cashless Ramadan market in Islamabad, enabling digital payments for subsidized food as part of a wider push to enhance transparency and expand digital welfare distribution.
Through ongoing partnerships with global technology providers, financial institutions, and government stakeholders, stc pay aims to remain at the forefront of fintech innovation while supporting the development of an inclusive and connected financial ecosystem in the region.
UWallet and Mastercard have partnered to launch digital payment solutions in Jordan aimed at expanding financial inclusion, supporting SMEs and enhancing digital commerce through prepaid cards, multi-currency payments and digital-first financial services aligned with the country’s shift toward a cashless economy.
Dialog Axiata integrated Sri Lanka’s GovPay platform into its eZ Cash service, enabling nationwide government service payments through over 55,000 retail outlets and advancing financial inclusion and digital government access.
Saudi Arabia’s shift toward a cashless economy is accelerating, with 67% of consumers now relying mainly on digital payments. Visa reports declining cash use across everyday purchases as mobile and card payments gain ground. Coordinated efforts under Vision 2030 are driving safer, faster, and more convenient payment experiences nationwide.
Saudi Arabia is rapidly shifting toward digital payments, with 67% of consumers now largely non-cash users, up 4% year-on-year. Visa’s report shows declining cash use across everyday categories as cards and mobile wallets gain ground, driven by convenience, security, rewards, and alignment with Vision 2030.