Visa’s research reveals that 25% of transactions in Oman are still made in cash, with P2P transactions and everyday spending being the main areas for cash usage. Despite this, Visa sees an opportunity to promote digital payments through secure solutions, supporting Oman’s move towards a cashless economy.
Samadhan Services has made strides toward becoming a licensed Payment Service Provider in Bangladesh after securing the No Objection Certificate from Bangladesh Bank. The company must now meet regulatory conditions to enter the market, joining other digital wallet providers in the growing fintech industry.
Mastercard is driving digital payment innovation across Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon through strategic partnerships, advanced technologies like tokenisation, and fintech collaborations. The company is enhancing financial inclusion, promoting secure transactions, and strengthening cybersecurity, ensuring a resilient digital payment ecosystem while contributing to the region’s economic growth and transformation.
eSewa celebrates its 16th anniversary in 2025, marking its pivotal role in transforming Nepal’s digital economy. From a beta launch in 2010, it now offers over 2,000 services, impacting millions of users. Future plans include saving and investment options, enhanced fraud detection, and expanding financial inclusion across Nepal.
Paymob has secured a full operating license from the UAE’s Central Bank, boosting its growth potential in the region. The company plans to expand its team and take advantage of the UAE’s standardized infrastructure and instant payment platform, Aani, to streamline merchant onboarding and offer instant settlement for payments.
SAMA has announced a partnership with Google to integrate Google Wallet into Saudi Arabia’s payment infrastructure, allowing users to securely manage and use their cards for purchases in stores, apps, and online. The initiative, set for launch in 2025, supports the country’s goal of a less-cash dependent society.
Mastercard and foodpanda have partnered to boost digital payment adoption in Pakistan, helping the country transition to a cashless economy. The collaboration introduces exclusive discounts for Mastercard users and launches the Payment Switch initiative to convert cash-on-delivery customers to online payments, accelerating financial inclusion and growth in Pakistan’s digital economy.
Visa has introduced Apple Pay in Egypt, offering a secure and convenient digital payment solution. The service allows Visa cardholders to make contactless payments using iPhones and Apple Watches, and it supports online and in-app transactions. The launch reflects Visa’s commitment to driving digital payment innovation in Egypt.
Nepal has seen a rapid shift towards digital payments, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and improved mobile and internet access. The Payment System Oversight Report 2023/24 highlights significant growth in platforms like connectIPS, QR codes, and mobile banking, as traditional payment methods like cheques and cards show slower adoption.
Al Baraka Islamic Bank has successfully implemented SafeNet, an AI-driven fraud prevention solution, in collaboration with Global Payment Services (GPS). The solution enhances the security of digital payment channels, ensuring real-time transaction analysis and compliance with Central Bank of Bahrain regulations, while boosting customer trust in the bank’s services.
