Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
MFTA launches its Iraq chapter to advance fintech innovation and regulatory progress amid rapid digital transformation. Led by fintech pioneer Bahaa Abdul Hadi, the chapter will drive collaboration, inclusion, and integrate Iraq into the MENA fintech ecosystem.
PALM secures seven-figure pre-seed funding to scale its goal-based saving platform in Egypt. By blending investment with behavioural incentives, PALM aims to modernize saving habits and boost financial inclusion in line with national development goals.
ElGameya’s recent seven-figure funding round empowers the fintech to scale its innovative, app-based savings platform targeting underserved Egyptian communities. With nearly one million users and strong growth, the investment supports product development and expansion, advancing financial inclusion and flexible credit solutions across diverse population segments.
The 19th IsDB Global Forum in Algiers focused on digital transformation and financial inclusion in Islamic finance. Key initiatives like the Medikids Project and AI Hackathon highlighted innovation, while discussions emphasized fintech, Sukuk, and sustainable development’s role in advancing the $4+ trillion Islamic finance industry.