Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan is shifting its welfare system from cash handouts to mobile wallets under the BISP, transitioning over 10 million families into digital inclusion. The move aims to empower beneficiaries, especially women, while strengthening transparency, financial literacy, and participation in Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
The World Bank has praised Iraq’s digital banking reforms as e-payment transactions hit $1.52B in August 2024, with 20M bank cards issued and financial inclusion surpassing 40%. Backed by the CBI, Iraq’s system now links to global payment networks, marking a major step in financial modernization.
Sri Lanka aims to grow its digital economy contribution to GDP from 3% to 15% within a decade, with fintech projected to unlock $15 billion in value. At the Fintech Summit 2025, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya outlined a DPI-led strategy built on trust, innovation, inclusion, and regulation to drive growth.
Mastercard extended its digital identity partnership with Smile ID in Africa to scale secure onboarding and fraud prevention, while also signing an MoU with the Central Bank of Syria to develop a national payments ecosystem. These initiatives aim to expand financial inclusion, enhance compliance, and build digital infrastructure in emerging markets.
Vodafone Oman and Software Group have partnered to deliver advanced digital financial services in support of Oman’s Vision 2040. The collaboration will enable mobile wallets, digital lending, and integrated platforms to expand financial inclusion, empower underserved communities, and accelerate the Sultanate’s transition to a sustainable digital economy.
Cash Plus and PayPal have launched Morocco’s first digital withdrawal service, allowing PayPal users to instantly access funds in dirhams via the Cash Plus Mobile app. The partnership supports Morocco’s financial inclusion goals and growing digital economy while empowering freelancers and businesses with a secure, branch-free solution.
Egypt’s mobile wallet sector saw an 80% increase in transactions in Q2 2025, reaching 718 million, with a total value of EGP 943 billion. Active wallets rose to 46.3 million, led by Vodafone Cash. NTRA introduced new fraud-prevention rules and approved remittance services to boost adoption and security.
KaliSpot has launched its first 1Net smart kiosks in Dakar, offering interoperable cash-in/cash-out and digital financial services. The fintech plans nationwide rollout in 2025, regional expansion with Solarix, and aims to build West and Central Africa’s first hybrid intelligent proximity platform within three years.
A new mobile app is digitizing Morocco’s traditional daret savings circles, offering real-time management, reminders, and accessibility for unbanked users. By modernizing this centuries-old practice, the initiative could reduce financial exclusion, improve trust, and support Morocco’s wider push to formalize its shadow economy.
Zong and Zindigi have partnered to deliver G2P payments via branchless banking, enabling M-Wallets for Zong customers in underserved areas. The initiative ensures secure, timely aid distribution, boosts financial inclusion, and strengthens Pakistan’s digital banking ecosystem through public-private collaboration.