Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Cash Plus has launched a QR code-based mobile payment service to boost digital commerce in Morocco. Adopted by 12,000 merchants since January 2026, the app-based system eliminates the need for banking hardware. The initiative leverages 5,200 agencies to drive financial inclusion and simplify digital transactions for two million users.
Orange Money sponsored the UNDP Digital Payments Forum in Jordan, supporting financial inclusion initiatives focused on women, farmers, and small-scale producers. The forum, held in Sweimeh, highlighted safe and accessible digital payment solutions aligned with Jordan’s national financial inclusion and digital transformation strategies.
Orange Jordan has launched “Tahweesheh,” a no-interest, fee-free savings sub-account on Orange Money, enabling users to set and track multiple financial goals. The initiative supports financial inclusion and promotes sustainable saving habits in line with Jordan’s national strategy.
UWallet and Mastercard have partnered to launch digital payment solutions in Jordan aimed at expanding financial inclusion, supporting SMEs and enhancing digital commerce through prepaid cards, multi-currency payments and digital-first financial services aligned with the country’s shift toward a cashless economy.
Du Pay’s Flexi Cash Loan uses wallet data, regulated lending, and fintech credit analytics to deliver fast, transparent short-term loans for underserved UAE expat workers through a fully digital experience.
Dialog Axiata integrated Sri Lanka’s GovPay platform into its eZ Cash service, enabling nationwide government service payments through over 55,000 retail outlets and advancing financial inclusion and digital government access.
PalmPay received regulatory approval from Bangladesh Bank to pilot a one-year smartphone financing program for 10,000 devices, aiming to expand affordable digital access and accelerate financial inclusion in Bangladesh under a supervised fintech framework.
VEON has launched Islamic banking services in Pakistan through Mobilink Microfinance Bank, opening its first branch in Karachi with expansion planned nationwide. The initiative supports financial inclusion and responds to rising demand for Shariah-compliant banking, as Islamic banking assets now account for over one-fifth of Pakistan’s banking sector.
Cash still accounts for over 65 percent of transaction value in Bangladesh despite growth in digital payments and mobile financial services. Central bank data show slow progress toward a cashless economy, with businesses favoring cheques, limited digital acceptance, and MFS largely confined to small-value transfers.
Orange Money Group and Visa have formed a strategic partnership to expand access to secure digital payments across Africa and the Middle East. Through a virtual Visa card integrated into the Max it app, millions of Orange Money users can now make international online payments, supporting financial inclusion and digital commerce growth across multiple markets.