Zain launches ‘Bede' Fintech Platform in Sudan
KUWAIT / SUDAN, Apr 17: Zain Fintech, the financial services arm of Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative technologies and digital lifestyle communications operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, has launched the 'Bede' Digital Wallet in Sudan.
The safe and secure platform will empower Zain customers in Sudan to carry out a wide range of financial transactions directly via their mobile phones, without the need for a traditional bank account or card. Significantly, the service is designed to work across different phone types, including basic feature and smart phones, catering for the needs and requirements of the Sudanese community.
The initial launch phase of the service includes core transactions such as money transfers, airtime top-ups, bill payments, merchant purchases, and cash deposits and withdrawals through a broad network of certified agents operating across neighborhoods and market locations.
The launch ceremony held in Port Sudan was attended by representatives of the Sovereign Council, federal and state ministries, ambassadors, Zain management as well as industry specialists, banking partners, and media representatives.
Malek Hammoud, Zain Group Chief Investment and Digital Officercommented, 'The launch of 'Bede' marks a major leap towards achieving digital transformation, enhancing financial inclusion, and empowering families, women and youth in Sudan. The wallet's role is to simplify everyday financial interactions and support citizens' daily lives. Bede has already been successfully deployed in Bahrain and the dynamic platform has gained a strong reputation for its efficiency, ease of use, and high reliability. We expect to replicate this performance in Sudan and other Zain markets.'
Hammoud continued, 'Bede aims to allow everything to be made in the palm of one's hand, cateringto consumers' lifestyles and emerging demands beyond basic telecom services. The introduction of Bede in Sudan represents a major step in Zain's strategic '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' aspirations to expand its regional leadership in the fintech arena supported by our footprint, customer base, and leading technologies."
The rollout of Bede in Sudan is set to occur in three phases. The first involves the initial offer of the service, while the second phase incorporates its integration with additional banks in Sudan and the addition of services including electricity purchases and access to various government transactions. The third phase will introduce banking services, international remittance services, savings and financing products, and full interoperability with all banks operating in Sudan.
Bede operates under robust strategic partnerships and in full alignment with the policies of the Central Bank of Sudan, which regulates and supervises digital wallet activities through clear legal frameworks and governance policies. Several banksoversee the management of Bede's trust accounts, ensuring accurate settlements and transparent financial reporting.
Bede complies with national standards for anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, customer data protection, and financial transparency, with the wallet also offering a secure and integrated digital financial experience that prioritizes data security and user privacy.
More on Bede
The core value of Bede is based on the belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities to achieve their full potential, and Zain is committed to leveling the playing field for all individuals.
The impact of Bede inSudanwill go beyond convenience and efficiency. It is designed with inclusivity at its core, ensuring that it is accessible and beneficial to everyone, whether the individual is looking to transfer money to their loved ones, purchase an item or manage their day-to-day expenses more efficiently.
Bede represents another offering in Zain's mission to provide 'meaningful connectivity' and 'financial inclusion' to communities across all the markets in which it operates. For more, please visit https://bede.sd/
The Bede name and logo
Bede stems from the Arabic meaning of 'in my hand', hence the customers' freedom to manage their financials, the way they desire, in their own hands. The brand's colors are inspired by a human approach which translates to a friendly and approachable personality. The primary colors are black and white with injected bright and playful colors which focus on the positive energy of banking and the human element of the brand that offers a clean and direct approach. With its brand slogan 'When you get more, you do more', Bede believes in providing the tools and solutions that allow everyone a level playing field to be able to achieve and go as far as possible.
The Zain Fintech umbrella
As the financial services arm of Zain Group and playing a key part of Zain's '4WARD' strategy by introducing and overseeing fintech services across the company's Middle East and African footprint, Zain Fintech focuses on rolling out innovative products and services related to payments, remittances, credit cards and micro-finance within the Zain ecosystem and beyond. Other entities championed by Zain Fintech include Bede in Bahrain, Zain Cash in Iraq and Jordan, and Tamam in Saudi Arabia. Zain aims to roll-out Bede services in Kuwait soon, subject to regulatory approvals.
Innovation and investing in viable digital services such as the fast growing and much needed fintech sector is critical to Zain's sustained evolution and success in providing the communities it serves with appealing and much needed digital lifestyle services.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Despite High Supply, Sacrificial Sheep Prices Remain Elevated In Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, June 1: As Eid Al-Adha approaches, the demand for sacrificial sheep has led to a notable increase in prices across Kuwait's livestock markets. Prices for sacrificial animals now range between KD 100 and KD 180, depending on factors such as breed, age, and origin. A seasoned worker at a prominent sheep market in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh reported that sacrificial animals are plentiful this year from multiple sources, leading to relatively lower prices compared to last year. He attributed this to increased supply, despite the special requirements for sacrificial animals — free from defects and of a specific age. He noted that traders invest months preparing animals for the season, aiming for modest profits of around KD 10 per animal. Another trader explained that while prices vary from KD 100 to KD 180, public attention tends to focus only on the highest prices. He cited factors such as high feed costs and losses due to weather as contributors to price fluctuations. He expressed optimism given the ample supply. A Sudanese seller with stock from four different countries said this year's market has more options, with sheep sold both in markets and directly from barns. He emphasized the wide availability as a positive for buyers. However, not all feedback was optimistic. A Kuwaiti shopper criticized the high prices, saying that despite government subsidies on feed and livestock facilities, prices continue to rise. He urged better regulation to prevent monopolistic practices. Another Kuwaiti citizen echoed similar concerns. He claimed local traders have lost control over the market, now dominated by expatriate sellers who manipulate prices. He said genuine local sellers offer lower prices in personal barns, though their quantities are limited. He argued that prices should range between KD 90 and KD 120, noting that post-Eid prices often drop by 20 to 30 dinars. A local resident also voiced frustration, calling for stricter government oversight. She pointed out that while sacrificial animals are widely available from several countries, prices remain unjustifiably high. Previously able to purchase up to six animals, she now plans to buy fewer due to inflated costs, citing a Syrian Naimi priced at KD 1,000. Despite high supply, market prices have not adjusted accordingly, with calls mounting for regulatory intervention to protect consumers during the holiday season.
Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait's Eid livestock market sees price hike despite supply surge
KUWAIT CITY, June 1: As Eid Al-Adha approaches, the demand for sacrificial sheep has led to a notable increase in prices across Kuwait's livestock markets. Prices for sacrificial animals now range between KD 100 and KD 180, depending on factors such as breed, age, and origin. A seasoned worker at a prominent sheep market in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh reported that sacrificial animals are plentiful this year from multiple sources, leading to relatively lower prices compared to last year. He attributed this to increased supply, despite the special requirements for sacrificial animals — free from defects and of a specific age. He noted that traders invest months preparing animals for the season, aiming for modest profits of around KD 10 per animal. Another trader explained that while prices vary from KD 100 to KD 180, public attention tends to focus only on the highest prices. He cited factors such as high feed costs and losses due to weather as contributors to price fluctuations. He expressed optimism given the ample supply. A Sudanese seller with stock from four different countries said this year's market has more options, with sheep sold both in markets and directly from barns. He emphasized the wide availability as a positive for buyers. However, not all feedback was optimistic. A Kuwaiti shopper criticized the high prices, saying that despite government subsidies on feed and livestock facilities, prices continue to rise. He urged better regulation to prevent monopolistic practices. Another Kuwaiti citizen echoed similar concerns. He claimed local traders have lost control over the market, now dominated by expatriate sellers who manipulate prices. He said genuine local sellers offer lower prices in personal barns, though their quantities are limited. He argued that prices should range between KD 90 and KD 120, noting that post-Eid prices often drop by 20 to 30 dinars. A local resident also voiced frustration, calling for stricter government oversight. She pointed out that while sacrificial animals are widely available from several countries, prices remain unjustifiably high. Previously able to purchase up to six animals, she now plans to buy fewer due to inflated costs, citing a Syrian Naimi priced at KD 1,000. Despite high supply, market prices have not adjusted accordingly, with calls mounting for regulatory intervention to protect consumers during the holiday season.
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Kuwait Times
The all-new Galaxy S25 Edge exclusively at Zain
Ultra-slim design meets cutting-edge AI, now available on nation's fastest network KUWAIT: Zain announces its exclusive partnership with Samsung to bring the revolutionary Galaxy S25 Edge to customers across the country. As the sole operator offering this device in Kuwait, Zain continues to lead the market by delivering cutting-edge technology and unmatched connectivity experiences on the nation's fastest network. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is an engineering marvel, combining ultra-slim design with powerful performance. Measuring just 5.8mm in thickness and weighing 163g, it features a durable titanium frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 for enhanced resilience. The device represents the pinnacle of smartphone innovation, combining a remarkably slim titanium design that is only 5.8mm thick with a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED 2X display, a groundbreaking 200MP camera, and Galaxy AI features such as ProVisual Engine and Drawing Assist. The all-new Galaxy S25 Edge is now available through all of Zain's channels, including the Zain App, official website ( and the largest network of retail branches in Kuwait. Saud Al-Rayes, Device Management Manager, Operational Marketing at Zain Kuwait, commented: 'Our exclusive launch of the Galaxy S25 Edge underscores Zain's unwavering commitment to bringing the most advanced technologies to our customers. This milestone is a testament to our long-standing partnership with Samsung and our dedication to providing unparalleled digital experiences to Kuwait's largest customer base.' He added: 'Over the years, our collaboration with global tech leaders like Samsung has enabled us to introduce groundbreaking innovations to the Kuwaiti market. The Galaxy S25 Edge, with its sleek design and powerful features, exemplifies our shared vision of pushing the boundaries of what's possible in mobile technology.' Al-Rayes concluded 'This launch also comes on the heels of Zain being recognized with five prestigious awards from Ookla Speedtest, the global leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights. These accolades reinforce our leadership in delivering the fastest, most reliable network experience in Kuwait, providing the perfect foundation for next-generation devices like the S25 Edge to truly shine.' Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, the S25 Edge ensures top-tier performance. Its 3,900mAh battery supports 25W wired and 15W wireless charging, keeping users connected throughout the day. With Galaxy AI at its core, the S25 Edge unlocks a new era of intelligent mobile experiences. From real-time language translation and enhanced productivity tools to next-level photo and video editing with ProVisual Engine, Galaxy AI empowers users to do more with less effort. Paired with Zain's ultra-fast and reliable network, these AI-driven features come to life with seamless speed, making everyday tasks smarter, faster, and more intuitive than ever before. Available in Titanium Silver, Titanium Jet Black, and Titanium Icy Blue, the Galaxy S25 Edge is a testament to Samsung's commitment to innovation and design excellence, now fully unlocked by the power of Zain's award-winning network, ensuring an unmatched mobile experience across Kuwait.
