Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
AL Ahly Momken and Post Distribution CO-PDC have partnered to establish a new branch network across Egypt, promoting financial inclusion and digital transformation. Initial branches in Cairo and Port Said will offer e-wallet, KYC, and payment services, focusing on reaching underserved regions and supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals.
Standard Chartered Pakistan has launched the 7th Cohort of its Women in Tech Accelerator, aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs by providing mentorship and funding. Over the past six years, the program has supported over 140 women founders and helped 43 secure seed funding.
Mastercard and LankaPay have partnered to enhance Sri Lanka’s digital economy through three key initiatives: co-branded debit cards, low-cost QR payments for tourists, and AI-powered fraud detection. These efforts aim to improve financial inclusion, support SMEs, and boost tourism-driven revenue, advancing the country’s digital transformation.
At GITEX Africa 2025, Digital Virgo’s Regional CEO Mounia Terhzaz discussed the company’s role in Morocco’s digital transformation, focusing on financial inclusion through innovative payment solutions and empowering local content creators. Digital Virgo’s approach combines technology, market insights, and strategic partnerships to drive growth in Morocco’s digital economy.
Chari, a Moroccan retail-tech startup, has partnered with Visa to enhance financial inclusion and innovation in Morocco’s fintech ecosystem. The collaboration aims to expand Visa’s presence, facilitate digital payments, and integrate more merchants into the formal financial system, contributing to a more inclusive and accessible economic landscape.
DPI Venture Capital, a new investment unit from DPI, has acquired Egyptian fintech fund manager Nclude, aiming to boost financial inclusion and access across Africa and the Middle East. The firm will focus on seed to Series C investments in tech companies enabling financial services for underserved consumers, particularly in Egypt.
Commercial International Bank – Egypt (CIB) has launched an upgraded internet banking platform, offering a seamless digital experience for customers to manage accounts and perform transactions directly via web browsers. The platform supports various banking services and reflects CIB’s commitment to digital innovation, financial inclusion, and customer-centric solutions.
VISA’s expansion in Pakistan, including office growth and partnerships with 1-Link and PayPak, has been recognized for enhancing financial inclusion and digital payments. Finance Minister Aurangzeb praised VISA’s role in accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation and assured the government’s support in resolving operational challenges to strengthen the payment ecosystem.
Visa has made strategic investments in Tunisian fintech Konnect and Moroccan startup PayTic, enhancing its commitment to Africa’s fintech ecosystem. These investments are part of Visa’s ongoing USD 1B initiative, empowering startups with funding and mentorship. Konnect offers instant payments via shareable links, while PayTic provides compliance tools for financial institutions.
Maroc Telecom has partnered with Visa to integrate Visa’s payment services into MT Cash, its Mobile Money solution. This collaboration aims to enhance financial inclusion and expand digital financial services across Morocco and Africa. The partnership will help accelerate digital payments, targeting underserved populations and boosting e-commerce growth.