Binance and Blockchain center introduce Blockchain curriculum in Jordan

Binance and Blockchain center introduce Blockchain curriculum in Jordan

The Blockchain Center, which seeks to embed blockchain education into academic curricula across the globe by offering training programs for university educators, has partnered with Binance Academy; to expand its Global University Outreach program to included Jordan based Al Ahliyya Amman University.

The Blockchain Center and its initiatives across the glove aim to revolutionize blockchain education by integrating Blockchain Compliance and Blockchain Engineering into the curriculum of universities worldwide.

Al-Ahliyya Amman University, known for academic excellence, will now have access to a wealth of resources curated by Binance Academy and the Blockchain Center. In addition to providing training for university professors, the Blockchain Center will also offer expert-led workshops, seminars, and collaborative research opportunities. This program will provide students and faculty with firsthand experience in the dynamic landscape of blockchain technology.

Bandar Altunisi, Head of Development  Binance Academy in Saudi Arabia, “As a key player in the Global University Outreach Program, together with the Blockchain Center we are excited to welcome Al-Ahliyya Amman University to our network. This collaboration signifies our shared commitment to advancing blockchain education and empowering the next generation of industry leaders.”

The Global University Outreach Program, initially launched in 22 universities in Kazakhstan, plans to expand its reach to over 200 universities across more than 50 countries. With a focus on blockchain engineering and compliance, the initiative seeks to educate over one million students globally by 2026.

“Education is crucial in driving the adoption of blockchain technology into our daily lives,” remarked Aigerim Gilmanova, Head of Education Initiatives at the Blockchain Center. “By extending our program to Al-Ahliyya Amman University, we are fostering an environment where students can explore, experiment, and innovate within the field of blockchain technology.”

“This partnership aligns with our mission to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and provide our students with the skills they need for the future,” said Ahmad O. Hourani, Marketing and Communications Unit Director at Al-Ahliyya Amman University. “We look forward to contributing to the success of the Global University Outreach Program and advancing blockchain education globally.”

CoinMENA expands investor offering with Onramp Bitcoin

CoinMENA expands investor offering with Onramp Bitcoin

UAE and Bahrain regulated crypto exchange CoinMENA expands its family office, investor and institutional offering through a partnership with Onramp Bitcoin. Onramp is an international Bitcoin asset management company built on multi institutional custody.

Onramp’s platform provides best-in-class products and solutions for HNWI, Family Offices, and Institutions to onboard Bitcoin.

In addition the partnership aims to empower MENA investors with high-quality Bitcoin educational resources such as proprietary written research, rich video content and analytic tools.

Both companies are poised to explore innovative custody solutions designed specifically for institutional investors. The collaboration comes on the heels of Onramp’s recent announcement of a partnership with BitGo, CoinMENA’s current custody partner.

In a joint statement, CoinMENA’s founders, Talal Tabbaa and Dina Sam’an said, “We are excited because this partnership fills a market gap for premium Bitcoin market research, and aligns with our educational approach to empower regional investors to invest in Bitcoin based on sound logic and a deep understanding of its unique and fundamental properties. As Bitcoin evolves into a mainstream international asset class, providing insightful analysis becomes essential for investors and asset managers, guiding them in making confident, long-term investment decisions.”

Onramp Co-Founder and CEO Michael Tanguma added “Onramp recognizes that Bitcoin is a global asset, necessitating the broad dissemination of valuable Bitcoin-focused educational resources across the world – research, podcasts, webinars, data-driven tools like the Onramp Terminal – access to these types of high-quality materials, combined with a first principles approach to custody, is the recipe for successful long-term Bitcoin ownership. We are excited to partner with the team to provide tools and education to one of the fastest-growing regions in the digital asset space.”

This comes just after the USA regulators allowed the launch of Bitcoin ETFs.

Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims enjoy cashless Blockchain payments with WadzPay

Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims enjoy cashless Blockchain payments with WadzPay

A recent collaboration with Wadzpay Blockchain payments provider and  Indonesian BPKH(Badan Pengelolaan Keuangan Haji), is allowing Indonesian pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah to Saudi Arabi to utilize cashless digital payment solutions.

BPKH performs Hajj Financial Management based on sharia principles, prudential principles, benefits, non-profit, transparency and accountability.

“We’re proud to join hands with BPKH in this transformative partnership. Combined with BPKH’s vision and WadzPay’s blockchain-based Pilgrim Program for payments, we aim to empower pilgrims, streamline transactions, and enrich their journeys,” said Anish Jain, Founder and Group CEO at WadzPay.

WadzPay shall serve as the overall program manager while BPKH plans an immediate pilot project through one of their member banks, aiming to make e-wallets accessible to the majority of pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj season.

WadzPay’s Private blockchain-based Pilgrim Payment Program is the world’s first cross border cashless Hajj and Umrah solution offering ease of operations for issuance institutions, pilgrims as well as merchants. The SaaS based platform can be easily leveraged by multiple issuer institutions in any country to link with the merchants in Saudi Arabia allowing pilgrims to top-up their e-wallets in the home country and spend like a “local” during the actual pilgrimage.

With this partnership, Indonesian banks will become early adopters of WadzPay’s future-ready offering.

“We’re thrilled to modernize Hajj and Umrah finances, enhancing welfare and pilgrim satisfaction. This partnership shall drive transparency and financial inclusivity,” said Muhammad Thabrani Nuril Anwar, Head of BPKH Collection Division.

WadzPay had previously partnered with Geidea in Saudi Arabia to implement the same solution.

WadzPay which has its MENA headquarters in UAE recently expanded into the European market. It registered a new legal entity, WadzPay Technology Netherlands B.V., with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. WadzPay appointed Mr. Khaled Moharem, as President- Europe & MENA.

Oman Development Bank utilizes blockchain enabled solutions

Oman Development Bank utilizes blockchain enabled solutions

The Oman Development Bank will be digitizing its operations utilizing low code blockchain enabled solutions from NewGen Software.

Newgen Software, a global provider of low code digital transformation platform will streamline Oman Development Bank’s banking processes.

Oman Development Bank, the financing arm for the government to support SMEs based in Oman is dedicated to enhancing its banking processes, aiming for a seamless, secure, and omnichannel experience for its customers.

The bank has opted for Newgen’s intelligent process automation (BPM) and contextual content services (ECM) offerings, built on the NewgenONE low code platform. This project would be executed with the help of Newgen’s platinum implementation partner, Ikyam Technologies.

The Newgen Intelligent process automation and contextual content services are built on a low code platform that manages content, processes ad communication. It empowers  employees to easily develop applications, from automating small departmental functions to enterprise wide solutions

The platform helps leverage cutting-edge capabilities such as robotic process automation (RPA), digital sensing, mobility, analytics, and blockchain,

Leveraging Newgen’s solutions, the bank will oversee the entire content lifecycle, from origination to disposition. The solution provides efficient tools for capturing content from diverse sources and facilitates instant document uploads—managed within a secure, centralized repository. The bank can optimize processes and foster collaboration between front- and back-office teams through user-friendly workflow automation. Moreover, the solution will allow DB to mitigate business risks by ensuring compliance and securing business-critical information. The integration with core banking and third-party systems will provide a unified experience.

“With Newgen’s robust solution, we look forward to achieving a paperless work environment that will enhance efficiency, reduce overall costs, and eliminate process bottlenecks. This will help us meet the targeted growing demand and scale operations to handle high-volume transactions efficiently, leading to a better customer experience. With this implementation, we are poised to set new benchmarks in delivering innovative financial services, empowering SMEs financially, and aligning with the country’s economic development goals,” said Mahmood Al-Yafai, Digital Transformation Program Director, Development Bank.

“It brings us great pleasure to partner with DB, supporting and advancing their digital transformation program’s goals. DB’s trust enhances our standing as a robust, adaptable, and scalable platform meeting the diverse spectrum of banking customer needs. We look forward to helping the bank build a strong foundation with digital banking and supporting their future initiatives,” said Vivek Bhatnagar, VP – EMEA Sales, Newgen Software.

Moroccan advisory firm to offer blockchain cyber security solutions

Moroccan advisory firm to offer blockchain cyber security solutions

Moroccan BDO advisory has partnered with Naoris Consulting to integrate Naoris’s solutions including their blockchain based security protocol into their service offerings.

According to the announcement the integration is specifically designed to meet the unique challenges of the French-speaking African market.

The synergy between BDO Advisory and Naoris will make it possible to develop tailor-made digital transformation strategies, with a particular emphasis on cybersecurity. The objective is to use Naoris’ advanced technology to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of African organizations and businesses, explains BDO Advisory.

On LinkedIn, Zakaria Fahim Managing Partner of BDO Morocco, stated, “We are excited to promote our strategic partnership for advancing decentralized cybersecurity using blockchain technology. This collaboration is key to providing innovative, secure solutions for Morocco and Africa.”

He added, “Our shared goal is to develop advanced cybersecurity systems leveraging blockchain’ s decentralization and transparency. This partnership will enable us to offer robust solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by our enterprises in Africa and globally.”

Naoris Consulting on LinkedIN noted, “We are excited to share a pivotal chapter in our story. We’re embarking on a strategic partnership with BDO Morocco, a union of vision and expertise to revolutionize digital transformation with cybersecurity as a backbone in Francophone Africa. Envision a landscape where every organization in Francophone Africa is empowered to thrive digitally, bolstered by unyielding cybersecurity. This partnership is our stride towards turning that collective dream into a tangible reality, ensuring a safer and more innovative future for all.”

More and more Blockchain companies are moving to Morocco to serve the African region, including entities such as The Hashgraph Association, IR4Labs and others.

Blockchain DeFi Finance platform receives a license in Saudi Arabia

Blockchain DeFi Finance platform receives a license in Saudi Arabia

MRHB a halal, decentralized finance (DeFi) platform built for Ethical and Inclusive DeFi has expanded into the Saudi market after receiving a license from the Ministry of Investment.

MRHB plans to relocate its research and development team to Riyadh KSA.

According to the press release, “At $830bn Saudi Arabia has the largest Islamic Banking market globally and as such it was inevitable for MRHB.Network – the world’s most mature halal web3 ecosystem – to come onshore. By securing the license, MRHB.Network is now better able to partner with local, regulated institutions to drive its vision of a more inclusive, ethical, and halal approach to the world of decentralized finance and digital assets.”

The relocation of MRHB.Network’s R&D team to Riyadh is a strategic decision to tap into the vibrant and innovative fintech and venture capital ecosystem in the region. Riyadh’s dynamic, tech-forward environment offers the perfect backdrop for MRHB.Network to spearhead research and development efforts to bring the six trillion dollar Islamic economy into the digital assets era.

On LinkedIn Founder of MRHB Naquib Mohammed stated, “With great pleasure, I am excited to announce that MRHB.Network has received the local license from The Ministry of Investment, Saudi Arabia and has now expanded to the Kingdom. Our R&D team will soon relocate to Riyadh, where we will begin the next phase of our research and development. We are committed to providing empowering fintech solutions to the GCC, MENA region, and beyond.”

Prior to the move to KSA, MRHB Network partnered up with Shari’ah Review Bureau (“SRB”), a Bahrain-based Shari’ah advisory firm, to independently assess and review its new product EMPLIFAI (Earnings Amplified with Algorithms & AI) which aims to provide Sharia-compliant passive income.  

At the time Mohammed stated, “The MRHB ecosystem aims for a wide array of crypto-based DeFi solutions. After a successful launch of the Sahal Wallet app, a multichain self-custodial digital wallet, we are pleased to present our new product to the Muslim community – a liquidity harvester product, EMPLIFAI which incorporates a Sharia-compliant mechanism and structure for users to invest and generate passive income.”

Phoenix group purchases $567 million of crypto mining hardware

Phoenix group purchases $567 million of crypto mining hardware

UAE Phoenix Blockchain, crypto mining group has purchased a total of $567 million of Bitcoin mining Hardware. The group made a new Bitcoin mining hardware purchase of $187 million from Bitmain, just a few months after it purchased $380 million worth of crypto mining hardware from Whatsminer.

Prior to this Phoenix Group invested in Lyvely, a UAE-based platform poised to reshape how creators and consumers interact and monetize online acquiring 25% of the company.

The landmark purchase worth $187 million is for cutting-edge mining machines from industry giant Bitmain. This strategic acquisition comes just after its IPO on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

“This latest deal, following our successful IPO and partnerships, signals our relentless pursuit of excellence and solidifies our leadership in this dynamic space,” declared Bijan Alizadehfard, Co-Founder & Group CEO of Phoenix Group. “Partnering with titans like Bitmain and Whatsminer equips us with the best tech, fuels our growth, and redefines the future of efficient and sustainable mining.”

Phoenic Group has a  market cap of $3.95 billion as of January 4th, 2024, the Bitmain deal further amplifies Phoenix Group’s hashing power and market share.

But for Phoenix Group, it’s not just about numbers. It’s about building a better future. The company remains dedicated to green practices, integrating hydro cooling technology in collaboration with both Bitmain and Whatsminer. “Our environmental responsibility is core to our values,” emphasized Munaf Ali, Co-Founder & Group MD of Phoenix Group. “Partnerships like these, coupled with our commitment to hydro cooling, pave the way for a greener blockchain future.”

This comes as the USA and crypto enthusiasts around the world await announcements of the first Bitcoin ETFs.

Ministry of transportation in Oman pilots Blockchain solution

Ministry of transportation in Oman pilots Blockchain solution

The Ministry of Transport Communications and Information Technology in Oman will be piloting Blockchain Land transport eWay Bill on February 4th 2024.

The land transport eway bill is a blockchain enabled digital document used to authenticate and secure the process involved in land freight transportation. It includes crucial information such as quantities weights, origin, and destination of goods

As per the statement on X, the key objectives of the eWaybill include simplifying logistical operations and streamlining procedures for efficient and smooth tracking and documentation of shipments.

It will ensure service quality and enhance transportation operations; preserve and protect the interests of all parties involved, and elevate the overall quality of logistic services.

NAFITH a company that develops and operates technology-driven services that increase the productivity of trade processes and shared freight transportation infrastructure to benefit the public and advance commerce will be implementing the solution for Oman.

Nafith operates in Oman, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

In 2023 Oman also announced that Oman’s telecom operator Omantel, and Indonesian Telkomsel signed up to GSMA’s ebusiness network accelerator program to trial next gen telco blockchain network for roaming. The new network would speed up roaming processes, support roaming agreement negotiations and expedite billing and settlement. The trials  went live in June 2023.

While Oman blockchain ID tech startup, Nashid was selected by Swiss Tech4trust accelerator to participate in their program out of Trust Valley of Lausanne, Switzerland.

Hedera and Dar Blockchain launch Web3 hackathon in Tunisia

Hedera and Dar Blockchain launch Web3 hackathon in Tunisia

Tunisia is set to witness the first Hedera Hackathon taking place from January 26th to 28th, 2024. The event is a collaborative effort between Dar Blockchain, The Hashgraph Association, ESPRIT University, and SUP’COM University. The aim of the Hackathon, backed by the Hedera Network, is to boost the adoption and understanding of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in the country.

Dar Blockchain, a pioneer in the blockchain technology space, dedicated to redefining the digital landscape toward decentralization, and The Hashgraph Association, a non-profit organization that supports training and education programs across multiple industry verticals through broad adoption of Hedera-powered, enterprise-grade solutions, have partnered with two leading universities in Tunisia to establish a platform that explores the latest in Web3 technologies. 

ESPRIT University, a distinguished institution specializing in engineering and technology, and SUP’COM, the Higher School of Communication of Tunis or Engineering School of Communication of Tunis, will utilize the Hedera Hackathon to emphasize the innovative possibilities offered by the Hedera Network.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and contribute to the transformation of industries through engaging activities and access to a specialized Web 3.0 Decentralized Academy.

Mohamed Mnif and Jaafar Saied, the Co-founders of Dar Blockchain, said: “ We are proud to be launching the first Hedera Hackathon at two reputable universities as part of our aim to set up chapters in local universities and offer training as we lay the foundation for a real understanding of DLT and blockchain. Tunisian youth and university students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to foster Web3 adoption, not only in MENA but globally.”

The Hedera Hackathon will offer tracks that include DeFi (Decentralized Finance), revolutionizing finance with accessible and secure financial services for the Tunisian and African community, DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), reimagining organizational structures for innovative university organization management and collaboration across the country, as well as tracks on the metaverse and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). 

Teams of three to five members are eligible to participate and must send in their applications no later than January 20th , 2024. At least one member of the team needs to be certified on the Hedera ecosystem.

Participants will be required to build solutions that leverage Hedera’s DLT, addressing real and current needs within the African community and showcasing practical applicability and positive impact.

At the end of the Hackathon, teams will need to submit a live and functioning project which includes a URL, a PowerPoint presentation outlining the business case and functionalities, and a three to five minute demo video demonstrating the project’s key features.

Selection criteria for the best projects will be based on relevance to the Hedera Hackathon’s themes, effective usage of the Hedera DLT Network, technical functionality, clear business case, scalability, team composition and collaboration, and effective presentation capabilities.

Kamal Youssefi, President of The Hashgraph Association, added, “Our support of the proliferation of innovative DLT solutions in the African continent is one of our key objectives. We believe that it is through the utilization of the Hedera Network and distributed ledger technology that we can empower future generations to build enhanced economies, technologies, and societies. Working with DAR Blockchain and future-driven universities such as ESPRIT, and SUP-COM is a privilege and an honor.”

In 2023 Dar Blockchain and The Hashgraph Association signed a partnership agreement to develop blockchain in Tunisia and the African continent.

UAE blockchain agri platform raises $3 million

UAE blockchain agri platform raises $3 million

UAE Based Maalexi, a Blockchain and AI enabled SME agri business platform has raised $3 million in a pre-series A fund raise led by Global Ventures,  a leading MENA venture capital firm. Global Ventures joins existing venture capital investors Rockstart (Amsterdam) and Ankurit Capital (New Delhi). 

UAE Maalexi will use the funds to develop its AI and Blockchain technology and enhance its full stack platform to  help SME agri-buyers procure faster, cheaper, and safer from globally placed SME sellers. It will also use the funds to drive customer acquisition – specifically more buyers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and to add sellers from 50+ origin countries.

Maalexi’s platform helps the millions of small agri-businesses active in the $3 trillion global, cross-border food trading market.

Maalexi’s proprietary technology has embedded risk management tools such as digital contracts,  AI enhanced inspections, and blockchain-authenticated documentation – all on a user-friendly web platform. Maalexi’s solution increases participation and automates trade – leading to higher customer revenues, more bankability, and more sustainable enterprises.

Maalexi has grown significantly in 2023 recording a Cumulative Monthly Growth Rate of 60%, adding hundreds of users, and helping SME buyers procure millions of kilograms of food supplies – across 70 products, from 27 countries. The Company’s overall focus and strategy is to build resilience in the food supply chain - strengthening food security in the UAE, and then to replicate the same model across the GCC.

Dr. Azam Pasha, co-founder and CEO of Maalexi, said, “We are delighted to complete our $3 million pre-Series A round – with the exclusive participation of MENA’s leading VC firm – Global Ventures. It is a very exciting time for Maalexi; we have a huge market opportunity which we know needs our solution – a proprietary automated process that makes life easier and more lucrative for SME agri-buyers and sellers. The per-transaction costs of our platform are very low, and we enable safer, faster trades cross-border.

At the same time, we are strengthening food security in our home country and region. We look forward to 2024, and our regional expansion, with great confidence.”

Noor Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures, commented, “We are delighted to lead Maalexi’s funding round. Focused on empowering small to medium agri-businesses, the company is streamlining the transborder exchange of agriculture products, using AI-driven risk management tools to address payment and performance risks in regional and global supply chains.  The $3 trillion global, cross-border food trading market is still weighted against SME agri-businesses. Despite the fact that they constitute 90% of global agribusinesses, they only control 30% of the cross-border trade market. Maalexi’s business model aligns with our thesis on the role of technology in disinter mediating supply chains to make them more efficient and productive, as well as reducing the GCC’s 85% dependency on food imports. We are excited to partner with Azam and Rohit as they enhance the engagement of small agri-businesses in trade, and improve food security in the Gulf, and beyond.”