Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Nepal’s digital payment systems have surged, driven by mobile and internet banking, QR codes, and faster payment methods. The shift from traditional payment options like cards and cheques is clear, aided by increased internet penetration and government initiatives. This transformation signals a move toward a more digital economy.
Google Pay is set to launch in Pakistan by mid-March 2025, allowing users to link debit and credit cards to Google Pay for seamless contactless payments. The service, in collaboration with Visa, Mastercard, and local banks, will help boost Pakistan’s growing digital payments sector, initially focusing on basic payments.
HyperPay has secured a licence from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) to advance digital payment services in Saudi Arabia. This move supports the company’s expansion and aligns with Vision 2030, aiming to enhance financial efficiency and inclusion. HyperPay also plans to go public in Saudi Arabia by 2025.
Algerie Télécom is optimizing its BaridiMob platform to enhance user experience following recent disruptions. The company has apologized for transaction delays and assured users that updates are aimed at improving service efficiency. A significant rise in user adoption underscores the need for these improvements to meet growing demand.
Checkout.com has partnered with noqodi to enhance digital payments in the UAE. The integration will simplify payment processes, improve transaction efficiency, and offer secure payment solutions. The partnership aims to support businesses and government entities by providing a wider range of payment methods and accelerating transaction processing.
stc pay Bahrain has partnered with Mastercard Move to enable secure and efficient money transfers to Alipay, China’s leading digital platform. This collaboration enhances stc pay’s offerings, providing consumers and businesses with a reliable remittance service and supporting Bahrain-China economic ties with secure, transparent cross-border payments.
Checkout.com has partnered with noqodi to integrate advanced payment technology into the UAE’s financial ecosystem. This collaboration aims to enhance payment processes for businesses and consumers, offering secure, efficient, and flexible payment solutions. It will streamline transactions, boost operational efficiency, and support economic growth in the region.
Pakistan’s digital payments surged by 9% in Q1 FY25, with mobile banking and e-commerce leading the way. The Raast system’s success highlighted the shift to digital wallets and mobile platforms. With continued growth in digital services, Pakistan is on track to enhance financial inclusion and drive economic development.
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Digital Economy has launched a program to digitize all payments to government institutions, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce fraud. The GovPay app is already connected to 16 institutions, with more expected to join by January 2025, streamlining processes and eliminating inefficiencies and corruption.
Google Wallet is set to launch in Pakistan by January 2025, alongside Egypt and Venezuela, expanding Google’s digital payment ecosystem. The launch is expected to complement existing platforms like Easypaisa and JazzCash, driving competition in the market. New updates to the Wallet ecosystem are also expected to enhance user experience.