Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Aani, the UAE’s central bank-backed instant payment platform, has enrolled 1.5 million users and is on track to drive further digital payments adoption. The platform facilitates real-time transfers via mobile numbers, emails, and QR codes, with plans for expanded features like QR payments for businesses, international remittances, and direct debits.
Basata has increased its stake in MadfoatCom to 25%, reinforcing its role in advancing digital payments and financial inclusion in Jordan. This collaboration, alongside Jordan Kuwait Bank and the Social Security Investment Fund, will drive innovative payment solutions for businesses and consumers, focusing on SMEs.
Souhoola and Visa have partnered to launch a prepaid card through Banque Misr, aimed at enhancing financial inclusion in Egypt. The card allows flexible payments and seamless shopping, aligning with Egypt’s Vision 2030. The service will help customers manage expenses and make informed financial decisions, launching in 2025.
Basata has increased its stake in MadfoatCom to 25%, strengthening its role in advancing digital payments and financial inclusion in Jordan. The partnership, backed by Jordan Kuwait Bank and the Social Security Investment Fund, focuses on enhancing digital payment solutions, money transfers, and supporting SMEs through financial tools.
Basata Holding has increased its stake in MadfoatCom to 25%, aiming to accelerate digital financial inclusion and enhance digital payments in Jordan. The partnership will focus on scaling digital payment services and supporting SMEs with financial tools. The collaboration involves key Jordanian financial institutions, including Jordan Kuwait Bank.
Entlaq, in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Embassy of the Netherlands, launched a Fintech Report highlighting Egypt’s growing financial technology sector. The report outlines key trends, challenges, and opportunities, positioning Egypt as a leader in MENA’s fintech space and emphasizing the importance of financial inclusion.
Egypt’s financial inclusion rate reached 74.8% by the end of 2024, with 52 million citizens using transaction accounts. This growth is attributed to efforts in empowering women, youth, and entrepreneurs with accessible financial services. It aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and aims to promote economic empowerment and digital banking.
XPay has partnered with Huawei Cloud Services to enhance digital payment systems for businesses in Egypt. The integration of Huawei’s cloud technology will scale XPay’s services, supporting financial inclusion through multiple payment methods. This move is part of Huawei’s broader push into the fintech sector globally.
Bangladesh leads mobile money adoption in South Asia, with 224.5 million registered users in 2023. Mobile financial services like bKash are driving financial inclusion, facilitating remittances, and offering a range of services. The sector has shown remarkable growth, with mobile money contributing to economic development and financial access for all.
Affinity Africa has raised $8 million in seed funding to expand its digital banking services in Ghana. With over 50,000 customers, the startup focuses on financial inclusion, offering free savings accounts and credit services. The hybrid model blends digital banking with offline agents to drive user adoption in underserved communities.