Blockchain consulting firm enters MENA with ivolve technologies in UAE

Blockchain consulting firm enters MENA with ivolve technologies in UAE

Nisum is a global digital consulting firm based in Silicon Valley which leverages over 20 years of industry expertise in digital strategy and engineering, data-driven insights and analytics, blockchain solutions, customer-centric experiences, business agility, and software development, has entered the Middle East market through a partnership with iVolve.

This strategic partnership between Nisum and iVolve unites a strong duo of global technology firms offering their clients access to a wide array of industry-leading services, including private and public cloud consulting, Kubernetes and OpenShift consulting, DevOps and application modernization, cyber security services, and more.

iVolve Technologies is a UAE cloud consulting company specializing in a wide range of cutting-edge cloud-native technologies. With a focus on Application Modernization, Automation, Kubernetes, Red Hat OpenShift, DevOps, GitOps, DR, Migrations, and Public Cloud solutions.

“iVolve’s established regional footprint and offices in the UAE and KSA align seamlessly with Nisum’s goals, fostering collaboration and innovation tailored to local needs. iVolve’s advanced cloud capabilities enhance Nisum’s technological landscape, providing a competitive edge. In return, Nisum contributes specialized expertise, particularly in application development. The partnership creates a robust value proposition for both entities,” said Salman Kassim Mohammady, Pakistan Country Head at Nisum.

“At iVolve Technologies, we’re thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with Nisum. This collaboration propels us to provide clients with cutting-edge technology to deliver business applications, amplified software development services, and the unmatched expertise of Nisum’s seasoned architect team. We eagerly anticipate the growth of our partnership and the collective impact on our clients,” said Mr. Amin Ali Amin, COO & MD of iVolve Technologies.

This strategic partnership marks a new era for Nisum and iVolve as they join forces to contribute to the growth and technological advancement of the Saudi Arabian and Middle Eastern markets.

C1 Fund and Spartan group to drive innovation in digital assets secondaries

C1 Fund and Spartan group to drive innovation in digital assets secondaries

Cayman Island C1 Fund, a fund dedicated to the digital assets place, with a presence in the UAE and USA, has partnered with Asian based Spartan Group, a Web3 advisory and asset management firm.

As per the press release, the partnership with Spartan Group signifies a key milestone for C1 Fund, as Spartan Group brings unparalleled expertise and a proven history of success in advising on multi-billion-dollar M&A transactions and fundraises within the digital assets sector.

We are thrilled to join forces with Spartan Group, said Dr. Najam Kidwai, CEO & Co-Founder of C1 Fund. “Spartan deep understanding of the crypto, Web3 and blockchain landscape, coupled with a track record of successful engagements with industry leaders, aligns seamlessly with our vision for C1 Fund. The synergy between C1 Fund and Spartan Group is a testament to our shared commitment to driving innovation and growth in the digital assets sector. This collaboration significantly enhances our ability to identify and seize emerging opportunities, expanding our influence within the dynamic realm of digital assets secondaries.”

Spartan Group’s Co-Founder, Casper B. Johansen, expressed equal enthusiasm, stating, “Collaborating with C1 Fund opens up exciting avenues for both organizations. C1 Fund’s focus on digital assets secondaries complements our expertise, creating a synergy that will enhance our ability to drive value for our clients and the broader crypto community. We look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership that pioneers innovation and growth.”

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.

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.

UAE Mada Capital partners for growth fund for metaverse gaming platform

UAE Mada Capital partners for growth fund for metaverse gaming platform

UAE based MADA Capital, a private investment fund has partnered with Web3 metaverse gaming platform Creta in its ecosystem growth fund.

As per the news release, Mada Capital actively participated in the fund at an early stage, being deeply impressed by Creta’s vision and technological prowess, which outshine competitors.

Creta, alongside Mada Capital, aim to  collaboratively lead the advancement of the web3 and gaming metaverse industries in the global market. Together, they aim to grow the fund, discover and support outstanding producers and content, and expand Creta’s ecosystem by fostering cooperation and nurturing technology.

The ultimate goal of CRETA is to form a coalition of world-class developers, creators, and producers, where numerous creators join and contribute their high-level creations. The company is building a new comprehensive gaming entertainment platform that will lead the next generation game/metaverse content industry.

The Creta Growth Fund aims to accomplish this by expanding the Creta metaverse in several ways, including the creation of content and a pool of talented developers. In doing so, it will bring a large number of talented Web3 developers and content into the Creta ecosystem. Numerous game developers, creators, and producers that the Creta Growth Fund will identify and collaborate with will not only increase the content lineup but will also allow Creta to go beyond the expectations of numerous game fans and creators early on. This will create synergies in PR, marketing, and community outreach that far exceed the size of the fund. As a result, as the ecosystem grows, the number of creators will grow, and their content output will further circulate and expand the Creta ecosystem.

Following the recent agreement, MADA Capital has committed to actively participate in the fund raising process for the Creta Growth Fund to include multi-billion dollar investments.

With big names like gaming legend Yoshiki Okamoto and genius producer Thomas Vu on board and with many more influential developers and producers joining, the launch of the Growth Fund is expected to accelerate the rapid expansion of Creta’s content and developer partnerships. The fund will also accelerate the acquisition of AAA titles, and catalyze the rapid growth of the ultimate Creta ecosystem, which is an ever-expanding, ever-circulating collection of worlds, multiverses, games, creator tools, and community SuperClub.

Creta is a global Web3 metaverse gaming platform headquartered in the UAE with offices in Japan and Armenia. The development of the Creta platform is led by Diverse, a Korean metaverse game developer specializing in high-performance game engines and excellent graphics technology.

The Web3-based metaverse gaming platform uses Locus Chain, public blockchain, and unlike traditional metaverses, it implements a super-sized multiverse where numerous metaverses can be combined and expanded with photo-realistic visual quality. In particular, Creta can significantly reduce infrastructure costs using the high-performance blockchain mainnet Locus Chain to replace most of the role of servers in online games.

Salah Alwaheb, Chairman of MADA Capital, said: “We are delighted to partner with Creta as it grows to become the dominant player in the next generation web3 gaming/metaverse platform market. The Creta Growth Fund will be backed by MADA Capital’s large funds, as well as royal families and high net-worth individuals from the Middle East.”

UAE Triterras and Mamun partner to bolster trade finance in Oman

UAE Triterras and Mamun partner to bolster trade finance in Oman

UAE and Singapore based Triterras, a fintech company focused on digital trade and supply chain finance, using Blockchain enabled trade finance platform Kratos, has partnered with Oman based Mamun, fintech infrastructure provider to bolster trade finance in Oman.

This collaboration harnesses Triterras’ technological expertise and leverages Mamun’s experience in Oman’s financial services sector. The duo will initially target the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) finance sector in Oman, with a specific emphasis on the food and beverage industry. The collaboration will also enable Triterras to offer the blockchain enabled KRATOSTM financing platform to banks in Oman on a white-label basis.

As part of the alliance, Triterras will introduce eDirect Debit, a direct debit payment technology developed by Mamun, in the UAE. eDirect Debit is designed to offer businesses a seamless and highly efficient payment solution, with the aim of enhancing the ease of handling transactions within the region.

“One of the key challenges for startups and micro businesses is a lack of capital and financing, which hinders growth and accessibility to markets. Our primary aim is to enable MSMEs with access to immediate and workable financial solutions to maintain business continuity and foster growth opportunities,” said Ashish Srivastava, Chief Commercial Officer at Triterras. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to deliver cutting-edge finance solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses in Oman, and the wider Middle East region. This 2-way agreement facilitates Triterras’ expansion in the MENA region.”

With Oman’s vibrant market in mind, this collaboration potentially makes a substantial impact on businesses looking for finance by simplifying access to financial resources. As with Triterras’ global mission, the collaboration will support MSMEs, enhancing financial inclusivity for businesses in Oman.

“We are excited to witness the expansion of our eDirect Debit technology into the UAE through our collaboration with Triterras,” said Mohammed Al Tamami, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, at Mamun.

Metamask crypto wallet partners with Egyptian Vodafone Cash

Metamask crypto wallet partners with Egyptian Vodafone Cash

MetaMask self-custody crypto wallet announced on twitter that it has partnered with several entities across the globe including Egyptian payment provider Vodafone Cash to offer new ways to onboard crypto around the world.

MetaMask stated, “We’ve unlocked new ways to onboard to crypto around the world! -Vietnam: VietQR, Mobile Money, Philippines: GCash, Indonesia: QRIS, Thailand: Thai QR, Egypt: Vodafone Cash and Chile: Webpay

MetaMask has introduced a new ‘sell’ feature on its mobile app, enabling users across the world to exchange crypto for cash easily. In Africa, the feature is available for Nigerian and Egyptian users.

Metamask also announced that it is offering local transfers in  in Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.????

The partnership between MetaMask and Egyptian based Vodafone Cash is interesting given that Egypt has not legalized or regulated crypto trading and transfers.

The MetaMask wallet was downloaded the most in India and the United States, although 2023 data suggests growing popularity in other countries, most notably Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, India, and Nigeria.

In the Arab World, Metamask has been downloaded in Algeria, and Egypt.

MetaMask in December 2023 had 30 million users globally.

Although MetaMask is user-friendly, the wallet only comes pre-installed with the Ethereum network. Those wishing to add additional networks – such as Binance Smart Chain or Polygon, need to do this manually.  It doe not support Bitcoin.

MetaMask supports all cryptocurrency tokens on the Arbitrum, Optimism, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, and Avalanche networks.

This comes as Egypt develops its CBDC ( Central Bank Digital Currency). In December 2023 Abdel Monem Al-Sayed, Director of the Cairo Center for Economic and Strategic Studies, noted that the state is prioritizing digital transformation. The aim is to decrease reliance on cash and printed currency.  

Egypt started on its CBDC project in December 2022. Egyptian Central bank announced that it was currently studying the implementation of CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) which should offer a safer and more secure replacement to current cryptocurrencies and the risks associated with them while making use of digital economy.

UAE Blockchain enabled ACX Group carbon marketplace partners with Brazil B3

UAE Blockchain enabled ACX Group carbon marketplace partners with Brazil B3

UAE Blockchain enabled ACX Group has partnered with Brazilian financial service provider B3 to streamline carbon market access to Brazilian companies seeking to reach their net zero goals.  The partnership will leverage UAE blockchain ACX’s proprietary exchange technology and established leadership in the carbon market and B3’s position as the largest financial exchange in Latin America.  

ACX operates the world’s first recognized investment exchange for environmental instruments in Abu Dhabi. It caters to corporates, financial traders, carbon project developers, and other industry stakeholders. ACX provides participants with an efficient and transparent trading platform that is user-friendly, seamless and offers the lowest transaction fees in the market. Leveraging distributed ledger technology,

As part of the partnership, B3, with its strong presence in the Brazilian capital markets and its deep relationships with market participants, aims to contribute to the expansion and success of ACX’s Brazil trading platform which is targeted to be launched in 1Q 2024.

ACX and B3, both regulated financial companies under their respective jurisdictions, will seamlessly connect what is expected to be one of the world’s largest carbon markets to the broader international marketplace.  ACX’s transparent and award-winning platform will allow Brazilian businesses to transact with buyers and sellers worldwide.

William Pazos, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of ACX, said, “We are excited to partner with B3 in Brazil.  This transaction connects one of the world’s largest carbon markets to the broader network of ACX exchanges.  With our strong partners and by providing market-leading trading technology, we aim to support Brazil’s efforts to promote sustainable development and grow its native carbon market.”

Leonardo Paulino Betanho, Head of OTC products at B3, said, “Brazil has the potential to be one of the biggest carbon credit suppliers in the world and B3 is committed to boosting this market in this country by providing a safe, with price transparent, and integrated trading platform that supports the acceleration toward a more sustainable future. Furthermore, the deal is in line with B3’s strategy of developing new products and advancing the ESG agenda in a way that promotes sustainable economic development.”

Together, ACX and B3 are dedicated to promoting the growth and visibility of Brazil’s carbon market, fostering economic prosperity, and addressing climate change challenges. By facilitating connections between local and global stakeholders, this partnership sets the stage for a more sustainable future, where Brazil’s carbon credits can make a meaningful impact on a global scale.

Carlos Martins, CEO of BlockC, ACX’s Brazilian partner, said, “With B3’s market position and strong network, ACX’s technology and expertise in carbon trading, coupled with BlockC’s deep understanding of the local market, we have an invaluable combination of strengths as we establish our presence and bring ACX’s Brazil platform to fruition.”

UAE based Aurus joins forces with Authic Labs introducing the first Gold-Backed NFTs

UAE based Aurus joins forces with Authic Labs introducing the first Gold-Backed NFTs

UAE based Aurus, pioneers in the tokenization of precious metals, and Authic Labs, a leader in Web3 customer loyalty solutions, have partnered to utilize blockchain technology for precious metals including gold with the first Gold backed NFTs.

This partnership opens new avenues for Real World Assets (RWAs) in the realm of digital collectibles (NFTs).

This partnership seeks to harness each company’s strengths, with several initiatives already underway, including gold-backed NFTs and blockchain-powered loyalty programs. The initiative aims to offer brands the opportunity to engage their audiences with digital collectibles, backed by the real-world value of physical gold. These NFTs, redeemable both digitally and physically, introduce groundbreaking possibilities for traditional companies that have been hesitant to launch their own collections.

By linking NFTs to gold, brands can set a stable price floor for their collectibles. This approach not only protects their brand and community from potential market downturns but also introduces new dimensions of utility.

Authic Labs is implementing tGOLD as a tool for loyalty rewards on their platform. Aurus will be integrating the Authic Labs interactive DApp on its platform, enabling users to engage in a variety of functionalities. These include minting and burning tGOLD tokens into NFTs, participating in staking, governance and DeFi, among other features.

Improving the practical uses of tokenized precious metals during our combined efforts will greatly benefit AurusX (AX), the Aurus ecosystem token. AurusX tokens can be staked to claim monthly rewards in tGOLD, tSILVER, and tPLATINUM, as well as vote on ecosystem proposals. These rewards are generated from the various transactions that occur within the Aurus ecosystem, including NFT mintings. AurusX is traded on several venues.

Wouter Kloosterman, CEO of Authic Labs, expressed enthusiasm, “Our partnership with Aurus marks a new era where Web3 technology and real-world precious metals intersect. Integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional assets sets a new standard for value and utility in the digital collectables space.”

Mark Gesterkamp, CCO of Aurus, added, “We are very excited about our collaboration with Authic Labs, which promises to bolster our presence in the NFT space. Our conviction is that brand engagements will onboard the next mass wave of users to crypto. Adding the value of gold to digital collectibles will redefine its utility and improve overall user experiences.”