Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
Zain Cash signed an agreement with the Jordan Agricultural Engineers Association to enable seamless fee payments via its app. The partnership supports financial inclusion, strengthens digital transformation, and enhances services for agricultural engineers, reinforcing Zain Cash’s role as a key player in Jordan’s digital economy.
Bangladesh leads mobile money growth globally with significant increases in digital loans, savings, and insurance via bKash, boosting financial inclusion and digital finance adoption.
Network International and Blu Penguin partner to integrate mobile money payments on N-Genius terminals in Ghana, enhancing financial inclusion and offering unified, seamless payment solutions for merchants and consumers. This initiative supports the expansion of digital payments across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Nepal sees rising digital financial engagement despite low mobile money use, with mobile phones driving formal savings and payments. Gender gaps persist, but digital tools increasingly empower women. The World Bank highlights the role of digital finance in economic inclusion and resilience across developing countries.
Iraq is preparing to launch Apple Pay, enhancing its digital payment system and financial inclusion. Officials met with Apple to discuss technical requirements, with Prime Minister al-Sudani backing the initiative. This move supports Iraq’s broader digital transformation goals and will enable secure, contactless payments.
Mobile phone ownership in Nepal exceeds 80%, yet only 6% use mobile money. Despite this, mobile money drives formal savings growth amid persistent gender and access gaps. Digital finance and financial inclusion show promise for empowerment and economic development.
Iraq is advancing efforts to introduce Apple Pay, engaging with Apple’s regional team to meet technical requirements and expand digital payment options, supporting financial inclusion and electronic payment growth.