Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Network International has partnered with Libya’s National Union Bank to advance digital payments. The fintech will provide prepaid card issuance, fraud prevention, and managed services under its Digital Payments as a Service model, supporting NUB’s digital transformation and Libya’s broader financial inclusion goals.
Saudi Arabia has unveiled new digital payment initiatives with Ant International, Google Pay, and Thunes. Key moves include cross-border QR payments via Alipay+ in 2026, Google Pay integration with the mada system, and real-time remittance services through barq and Thunes, advancing Vision 2030 goals of inclusivity and financial innovation.
Visa has launched the world’s first locally hosted Visa Acceptance Platform in Saudi Arabia, enabling faster, more secure digital payments. Supporting mada and digital wallets, the move aligns with SAMA regulations and Vision 2030, helping merchants boost efficiency, approval rates, and customer experience in the Kingdom’s cashless economy.
Google Pay and Alipay have launched in Saudi Arabia, supporting Vision 2030’s cashless economy goals. Their entry expands digital payment options, boosts financial inclusion, and strengthens the fintech ecosystem while fueling e-commerce and retail growth across the Kingdom.
Egypt’s mobile wallet transactions hit EGP 943.4bn in Q2 2025, up 72% year-on-year, with 717.7 million transactions and 46.3 million active wallets. Vodafone Cash led the market with 81% of transaction value. The NTRA has reinforced security and enabled international remittances to further boost adoption.
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.