Mehdi Tazi: Lean Technologies Is Paving the Way for Open Finance in the Middle East

Jul 9, 2025

Ghada Ismail

 

Lean Technologies has become one of the standout players in MENA’s fintech space, building the infrastructure that helps businesses offer modern financial services. With its latest funding round, the company is entering a new chapter, focused on expanding its reach, deepening partnerships, and shaping the region’s Open Finance future.

In this interview, Mehdi Tazi, Chief Operating Officer at Lean, shares with Sharikat Mubasher what the company’s latest milestone means for its next phase, how it’s supporting everyone from early-stage startups to large enterprises, and why MENA’s fintech landscape is capturing global attention.

 

1. Lean’s recent $67.5 million Series B is one of the largest fintech raises in the region. What does this milestone represent for the company’s next phase?

It marks a significant step forward in our journey. We’ve spent the last few years building critical infrastructure, earning trust, and laying the groundwork for Open Finance in the region. With this raise, we’re accelerating product development, expanding regional coverage, and helping more businesses embed modern financial services into their platforms. We’re here to lead this next chapter, responsibly and at scale.

When we started Lean 5 years ago, we were struck by the lack of fintech penetration in the Middle East and inspired by the immense potential to create a unified fintech infrastructure platform that can reduce barriers to entry. We aspired to make financial data sharing seamless and accessible, while enabling instant, low-cost payments. Today, we have connected over one million user accounts and processed more than $2 billion in transactions and thanks to the support of forward-thinking regulators in the UAE and KSA, the region is leading the way with open banking standards that unlock amazing new possibilities.

 

2. What makes fintech in the MENA region an attractive investment opportunity for leading investors like Sequoia and General Catalyst, and what does their involvement say about the region’s venture capital landscape?

Fintech in MENA is evolving quickly and the fundamentals are stronger than ever. In Saudi Arabia, the number of licensed fintechs has grown from 89 in 2022 to over 200 by mid-2024. In the UAE, fintech accounted for nearly 40% of all venture funding in H1 2024, making it the region’s most heavily backed sector. That kind of year-on-year growth reflects a market that’s no longer catching up, it’s building from the ground up.

At the same time, the underlying infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. Demand for modern financial experiences is rising, but legacy systems are still holding many businesses back. That’s where Lean comes in, and why investors like Sequoia, General Catalyst, and Bain Capital are here.

Their involvement isn’t just a vote of confidence in Lean. It signals that global investors see MENA as one of the few regions where foundational fintech infrastructure is still being built, where companies can define the rails, not just build on top of them. That’s the opportunity, and that’s the bet.

 

3. How does Lean’s API platform reduce barriers to entry for fintech founders across MENA?

Historically, founders in MENA had to navigate months of bank integrations and fragmented infrastructure before launching a product. Lean removes that friction. With one secure API, businesses can access real-time bank payments and financial data without compromising on compliance or user trust.

Careem moved from costly card payments to seamless A2A bank transfers using our infrastructure. DAMAC sped up its payment processing by 24x, reducing wait times from hours to minutes to improve its collections process.

We are not just providing APIs. We are removing technical and regulatory barriers so that fintech teams can build meaningful solutions that help people manage money more efficiently and transparently.

 

4. How do you adapt your offering for large enterprises versus emerging fintechs?

At Lean, we start with the same powerful platform, but we shape how we deliver it around the needs of each customer.

Emerging fintechs are often looking to move quickly and experiment. They value speed, flexibility and a partner who can help them build fast. Larger enterprises, on the other hand, look for depth. They need systems that are secure, scalable and able to work smoothly within their existing set-up.

What makes the real difference is not just the technology, but the people behind it. We do not hand over a product and step away. Our teams work closely with our customers, helping them integrate the platform, adapt workflows, and get real value from day one. We bring the care and attention you would expect from a trusted partner, not just a provider.

This hands-on approach means our customers never feel left on their own. Whether it is a fintech launching something new or a major enterprise rolling out across regions, we are right there with them, making sure the solution fits, performs and grows with them.

Everything we do is shaped by one belief - when our customers succeed, so do we.

 

5. You’ve now processed over $2 billion in transactions through your platform. What operational strengths or strategic decisions helped you achieve that scale?

From day one, we focused on building payment infrastructure that solves real business problems; instant settlement, lower fees, and improved reliability, making payments viable at scale. While some businesses accepted bank payments, they faced slow, non-instant payments and spent hours on reconciliation, limiting their ability to scale. Others needed instant payment options but lacked a reliable alternative to costly card payments.

Our first priority was to digitize and streamline this flow, replacing legacy systems with an account-to-account payment experience that is instant, reliable and cost-effective. This was not just about improving efficiency. It was about creating a genuine alternative to legacy payment systems. At the same time, we invested in reliability, compliance and transparency so our clients could scale on a platform built for long-term trust. This focus on practical value and operational resilience is what enabled us to reach more than $2 billion in transaction volume. More importantly, it’s what allows our clients to scale with confidence.

 

6. With more than a million accounts connected via secure APIs, what does this tell us about user trust and the adoption of financial connectivity in MENA?

It tells us that users are ready, as long as the experience is built the right way.

Connecting a financial account is a high-trust action. We have spent years refining our consent flows, strengthening our infrastructure, and working closely with regulators to make that process as seamless, secure and transparent as possible.

The result is clear. More than one million accounts have been connected through Lean. That shows people are open to trying new financial experiences when the value is obvious and the infrastructure feels trustworthy.

We are also seeing strong engagement with our clients. For example, more than 50% of users on platforms like Sarwa, the all-in-one investment platform, choose to pay via Lean. That level of share of wallet shows not just adoption, but real trust and stickiness.

And it goes beyond convenience. For some of our clients, Lean is helping to drive genuine financial inclusion. Many expats arrive in the region with little or no credit history. Because we can help underwrite them using bank data, they can now access financial services they might have struggled to get before. We have seen this impact within our own team, where access to financial services has transformed individual lives. It is not just meaningful, it is personal, and it matters.

 

7. Lean supports over 300 companies across sectors, from ride-hailing to e-commerce and real estate. How are you tailoring your offering to serve such a broad client base?

We take a customer-first approach. Our strength lies in understanding the pain points and building infrastructure that solves them. Whether it is a digital wallet, a ride-hailing app or a property developer, we begin by focusing on the core problems rather than promoting product features.

Let's take Tabby as an example. They needed a better way to approve users with limited credit history. Credit bureau data wasn’t cutting it, and manual uploads were too slow. With Lean, they connected directly to customers’ bank data, improving approval rates by 8.9%, unlocking 50% more high-risk users, and reducing default risk by 4x.

e& money was dealing with high card fees and poor payment conversion. We helped them move to instant A2A payments, eliminating the card layer, saving $800,000 a year, and doubling customer return rates.

Tawuniya’s pain was operational. Claims were delayed due to manual verification and misrouted disbursements. We automated the process end-to-end, cut disbursement time by 50%, and helped them reach a 94.8% transaction success rate.

These outcomes are the result of targeted infrastructure solving real business problems in a scalable, measurable way.

 

8. What advice would you offer to startup teams building products in heavily regulated spaces like financial infrastructure?

Regulation is not an obstacle. It is part of the product. In a space like ours, trust and compliance are fundamental. My advice is to build for scale from day one. That means getting the right controls in place early, staying close to regulators, and understanding the operational implications of every decision you make. Moving fast is important, but moving responsibly is what keeps you in the game long-term.

 

9. What strategic priorities will define Lean’s next phase of growth?

We’re focused on three things: expanding our payments and data infrastructure, deepening adoption across key sectors, and supporting the market as Open Finance comes into shape.

The opportunity is significant. In MENA alone, the Arab Monetary Fund projects Open Finance to grow from $1.65 billion in 2022 to nearly $12 billion by 2027. As countries like the UAE and KSA move from policy to implementation, businesses are looking for partners who can help them adapt and build.

We’ve spent the past five years doing exactly that: building trusted infrastructure, integrating with banks, and working closely with regulators. Today, we’re helping over 300 enterprise clients like Careem, DAMAC, and e& money go live with real-time payments, account verification, and secure data access.

With the growing momentum, we’re well positioned to lead this next phase and scale impact across the region.

 

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What Is Churn Rate for Startups And Why It Can Make or Break You

Ghada Ismail

 

If you’re building a startup, you’re probably focused on growth. Watching your user numbers tick up, getting excited about new downloads, seeing traffic rise—it feels good. But here’s the thing most founders overlook: growth doesn’t matter if people don’t stick around.

 

You spend time and money getting people to try your product. But what if they quietly disappear after a week or two? No complaints. No goodbye. Just... gone. That silent exit? That’s called churn.

For early-stage startups—especially those with subscription models or digital platforms—retention matters as much as acquisition, maybe even more. But too many teams fall into the trap of chasing new users without realizing their existing ones are slipping away.

 

This is why understanding your churn rate is so important. It’s not just something your growth lead or investor should care about. It’s a core signal about whether your product is delivering real, lasting value.

Let’s break down what churn rate actually means, how to calculate it, and what you can do to improve it.

 

What Is Churn Rate?

Churn rate is the percentage of users or customers who stop using your product over a certain time period.

Here’s a simple way to calculate it:

Churn Rate = (Customers Who Left ÷ Customers You Had at the Start) × 100

Example:

Let’s say you started the month with 100 customers. By the end of the month, 8 of them stopped using your product.

Churn Rate: (8÷100)×100=8%

That’s your monthly churn rate: 8%.

 

Why Churn Rate Matters for Startups

1. Acquiring Users Is Expensive

You’ve spent money on ads, time on outreach, maybe even given away discounts. When a customer leaves quickly, you’re losing all that effort. And it adds up fast.

2. It Kills Growth

It’s hard to grow if your users keep leaving. You might feel like you're getting traction, but if your churn is high, you’re just running in place.

3. It Reveals Product Problems

Churn is often a signal that your product isn’t solving the user’s problem—or isn’t doing it well enough. If users leave, they’re voting with their feet.

4. Investors Pay Close Attention

If you’re raising funds, expect VCs to ask about your churn rate. It’s one of the quickest ways to assess whether your business has real staying power.

 

How Can You Reduce Churn?

Here are a few ways to plug the hole in your bucket:

  • Nail your onboarding.
    Make it ridiculously easy for new users to get started and see value right away.
  • Talk to churned users.
    Ask them why they left. You'll be surprised how many are willing to tell you.
  • Build “stickiness” into the product.
    What brings users back? Reminders? New content? Useful alerts? Find it—and double down.
  • Support matters.
    Quick, helpful responses build trust and can often prevent a user from leaving.
  • Win them back.
    Re-engagement emails or offers can remind users why they signed up in the first place.
  • Track usage signals.
    If someone hasn’t logged in for a week, don’t wait until they’re gone—check in early.

 

Wrapping things up…

Churn rate isn’t just another dashboard metric; it’s your product’s reality check. It tells you if people are finding enough value to stick around. And for any startup trying to grow in a noisy, competitive world, that’s everything.

Before you pour more budget into customer acquisition, take a closer look at the people already using your product. Are they happy? Are they staying? If not, it’s time to dig deeper, fix what’s broken, and build something worth coming back to.

 

Align or Decline: Why Picking the Right Venture Capitalist Is Crucial?

Kholoud Hussein 

 

Choosing a venture capital (VC) investor is not merely a funding decision; it is one of the most strategic partnerships a startup founder will make. While securing capital is often the immediate goal, aligning with the right investor can significantly influence a company’s trajectory, from operational decisions and market expansion to talent acquisition and even eventual exit strategies. In an increasingly competitive and sophisticated entrepreneurial landscape, founders must approach the VC selection process with the same diligence and intentionality they would use when hiring a C-level executive or co-founder.

 

The first consideration goes beyond capital—it's about value-added support. The best venture capitalists bring more than just a checkbook; they offer access to networks, mentorship, and strategic guidance. For early-stage startups, this often means introductions to potential clients, top-tier talent, or future investors. For growth-stage companies, it may involve international expansion strategies, mergers and acquisitions support, or crisis management expertise. A founder must assess what type of value their business truly needs at its current stage, and seek investors whose portfolio history and operational involvement align with those needs.

 

Equally important is the sector focus and domain expertise of the VC. Investors who have a track record in the startup industry are more likely to understand its nuances, regulatory landscape, and customer behaviors. They can anticipate market shifts and offer insight drawn from past successes and failures. A fintech founder, for example, will benefit more from a VC that has navigated banking integrations and compliance hurdles than from a generalist fund with no financial sector exposure. It's not just about the money—it’s about smart money.

 

The chemistry and alignment between the founder and investor also play a pivotal role. This relationship will inevitably be tested during periods of rapid growth or unexpected downturns. Founders must be comfortable with their investors’ communication style, level of involvement, and strategic vision. A misaligned investor could push for premature scaling or unrealistic return timelines, leading to unnecessary strain. Honest conversations about expectations, governance, and decision-making frameworks must occur early in the courting process. Due diligence is a two-way street: just as investors investigate the startup’s viability, founders must vet investors for alignment and long-term compatibility.

 

Another often overlooked factor is the reputation and signaling power of the VC. In markets where access to capital is still consolidating—such as emerging economies or sectors with nascent venture activity—the involvement of a respected investor can significantly elevate a startup’s credibility. This "signaling effect" can attract top talent, future investors, and strategic partners. However, founders should not be blinded by brand names alone. A highly reputable VC may also have competing priorities or an overly hands-off approach. The key is finding a balance between prestige and partnership.

 

Lastly, founders should consider the fund size, stage focus, and time horizon of the investor. A large fund with a wide portfolio may allocate a limited amount of time to each investment, while a smaller, more focused fund might offer more attention but fewer follow-on funding opportunities. Likewise, a fund nearing the end of its life cycle may push for quicker exits, which may not align with the founder’s long-term vision.

 

In conclusion, selecting a venture capital investor is as much about strategic fit as it is about financial capacity. The right investor becomes a partner in building, scaling, and navigating complexity, rather than just a source of capital. Founders who approach this decision thoughtfully are better positioned to secure not only funding but also the foundations of lasting success.

 

FraudTech in Saudi Arabia: The Battle Against Evolving Financial Scams

Ghada Ismail

 

Across Saudi Arabia, the way people handle money has undergone a quiet revolution. Tapping your phone to pay for coffee, transferring cash through a wallet app, and getting a loan without stepping into a bank, these are now part of everyday life. Over just five years, the Kingdom’s fintech sector has surged forward, reshaping how people save, spend, and invest.

The numbers reflect this momentum. According to the ‘Setup in Saudi’ website, the number of active fintech companies in the country jumped from 89 in 2022 to over 200 fintech firms as of August 2023. Digital-first banking, robo-advisory tools, and BNPL (buy-now-pay-later) platforms are gaining traction not just in Riyadh or Jeddah but across a much broader swath of the population.

 

But while fintechs have made finance more accessible, they’ve also created new openings for fraudsters.

As fast as platforms evolve, scammers adapt. No longer content with crude spam messages or clumsy impersonation attempts, they’re now deploying far more sophisticated tactics: hijacking OTPs, creating near-perfect fake apps, and launching social engineering scams that are tailored to Arabic-speaking users.

These attacks aren’t random. They’re calculated, localized, and alarmingly effective.

 

In a country where digital trust underpins an increasingly cashless economy, even a single breach can ripple far beyond the victim. For fintechs, the challenge is not just about securing systems, it’s about preserving confidence.

That’s why a new wave of innovation is taking shape: that’s FraudTech, a growing arsenal of technologies designed to detect and block fraud before it strikes. AI-driven threat detection, biometric verification, and behavioral analytics are becoming essential weapons in the fight against a smarter, faster breed of financial crime.

In today’s Saudi fintech landscape, the real arms race isn’t over who builds the flashiest app—it’s over who can build the safest one.

 

Inside the Modern Scam: What Fraud Looks Like in 2025

Gone are the days of laughably fake emails and “you’ve won a prize” messages. Today’s scams are sharper, better disguised, and more emotionally manipulative.

Across Saudi Arabia, users are being targeted with Arabic-language phishing messages disguised as official alerts from banks, government portals, or shipping services. Often sent via SMS or WhatsApp, these messages lead to malicious links or request seemingly harmless details, like a One-Time Password (OTP). In reality, that OTP is often the last step before someone’s account is drained.

 

Fake apps are another growing threat. These replicas of popular fintech platforms are nearly identical to the real thing, right down to the colors, layout, and fonts. Once installed, they harvest credentials and silently pass data back to cybercriminals.

Even more concerning is the rise of AI-enhanced fraud. Deepfake audio and video, cloned voices of bank agents, and personalized spear-phishing campaigns are creeping into the ecosystem. These tools make it increasingly difficult to tell the difference between a genuine call and a scam.

 

And then there’s social engineering, where the attacker’s strongest weapon is human emotion. A panicked call from someone claiming to be a relative in trouble. A friendly “customer service agent” helping you resolve an urgent issue. The goal isn’t to hack your phone, it’s to hijack your trust.

This new era of fraud is no longer just a tech problem. It’s a human one.

 

How Saudi Fintechs Are Fighting Back

In response to these rising threats, Saudi fintechs are stepping up with a new mindset: prevention by design.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now at the core of many platforms’ fraud strategies. These systems aren’t just flagging unusual logins; they’re learning user behavior in real time. If someone who always transfers SAR 200 suddenly sends SAR 20,000 to a new international account, the AI doesn’t just log it; it can freeze it, verify it, or block it altogether.

Biometric tools like fingerprint scans and facial recognition are becoming standard across many Saudi fintech apps. They provide an added layer of protection that can’t be phished or guessed.

 

But it doesn’t stop there. Behavioral biometrics—tracking how you hold your phone, how fast you type, or how you swipe—adds another invisible shield. These patterns are unique to each person and difficult for fraudsters to mimic.

 

Local players like Hala, Tweeq, and stc pay are investing heavily in fraud detection infrastructure. stc pay has publicly launched anti‑fraud initiatives like the “Scam the Scammer” awareness campaign, explicitly stating its ongoing investment in fraud prevention and customer security. Additionally, STC (the parent company) has partnered with telecom‑fraud solutions companies like Mobileum and Subex, deploying AI-driven systems to detect and prevent fraud across its network. Some have partnered with international specialists like Feedzai and BioCatch, which provide advanced, AI-powered fraud monitoring tailored for the financial industry.

What used to be back-end security is now a frontline feature. In a crowded fintech market, platforms that offer visible, transparent protection stand out. For users, safety has become just as important as speed or convenience.

 

Regulators Join the Fight

The battle against fraud isn’t being fought by fintechs alone.

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has taken a proactive stance in fraud prevention by issuing a comprehensive Counter‑Fraud Framework and Fundamental Requirements, compelling banks and fintechs to implement real‑time monitoring, conduct frequent control maturity assessments, and submit roadmaps for compliance by June 2023. These requirements include board oversight and ongoing reporting obligations.

The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) stands alongside SAMA in safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure and coordinating cyber threat response across sectors. Working together, these regulators deliver unified frameworks—such as SAMA’s Cybersecurity Framework and NCA’s Essential Cybersecurity Controls—that reinforce collaboration across finance, telecom, and critical infrastructure providers.

 

A. SAMA’s Cybersecurity Framework

  • Strong Customer Authentication (SCA): Mandates two-factor authentication (2FA) for all digital payments.
  • Fraud risk assessments required for fintech licensing.
  • Real-time transaction monitoring enforced for all payment providers.

B. National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) Initiatives

  • "Kafalah" program: Aims to protect consumers from fraud via awareness campaigns.
  • Fraud reporting portals allow victims to report scams quickly.

This approach signals a shift: beating fraud isn’t about acting alone; it’s about acting together.

Public awareness campaigns have also ramped up, with simple, clear messages targeting everyday users. Whether it's an ad reminding you to never share your OTP or a video warning against fake apps, education is becoming part of the strategy.

 

Users: The First Line of Defense

Despite all the tech defense systems, one uncomfortable truth remains: people are still the easiest target.

Fraudsters don’t need to break into your system if they can simply trick you into opening the door. A well-timed scam call or convincing SMS is all it takes for many users to unknowingly give away critical information.

Recognizing this, fintechs are redesigning how they interact with users.

Some apps now display real-time warnings when a user tries to transfer money to a flagged account. Others introduce delays for unusually large transactions, buying time for users to reflect or cancel. Educational nudges, trust scores, and interactive security tips are also being embedded into user journeys.

In parallel, many fintechs are taking to social media, posting bite-sized Arabic videos that explain new fraud techniques, scams to watch for, and tips for safer banking.

 

Educating and Protecting the User

A. How Fintechs Are Raising Awareness

  • In-app scam warnings pop up during risky transactions.
  • Interactive tutorials teach users how to spot phishing attempts.
  • Gamification: Some apps reward users for completing security training.

B. What Users Must Do

  • Never share OTPs or passwords, even with "bank agents."
  • Verify app legitimacy before downloading (check developer names, reviews).
  • Enable biometric logins for added security.
  •  

The goal is simple: build habits, not just awareness.

Because in the fight against fraud, an informed user isn’t just a customer; they’re a partner.

 

Smarter Threats, Smarter Defenses

The fraud landscape isn’t standing still, and neither should Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector.

With generative AI, scammers can now create realistic fake identities, impersonate company executives, and automate social engineering campaigns at scale. We’re entering a time when a video of your CFO asking for a wire transfer might not be real, and you may not know until it’s too late.

 

To stay ahead, fintechs must treat security as a product, not a feature. That means real-time monitoring, regular penetration testing, strong collaboration across sectors, and above all, user-centric design that keeps protection seamless but effective.

In a future shaped by mobile-first banking, open APIs, and digital identity, Saudi fintechs won’t just be judged by how fast they grow, but by how securely they scale.

 

Conclusion: A Secure Digital Future for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s fintech revolution is unstoppable, but so is financial fraud. The Kingdom is fighting back with strong regulations, AI-powered FraudTech, and consumer awareness.

The next phase will require even smarter defenses as criminals leverage AI. Yet, with SAMA, NCA, and fintech innovators working together, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to become a global leader in secure digital finance.

The message is clear: Fraud is evolving, but so are the tools to stop it.

 

How does Swypex contribute to shaping the fintech landscape in Egypt?

Mohamed Ramzy

 

Amid Egypt’s rapid digital transformation in recent years, Swypex has emerged as a key player in the fintech sector, offering innovative solutions that empower businesses to manage their spending with greater efficiency and transparency.

Since its founding in 2022, Swypex has filled the gap in the Egyptian fintech market, capitalizing on robust partnerships that fueled the company’s growth and propelled its business model toward ongoing evolution and success.

Sharikat Mubasher had an interview with the Co-founder and CEO, Ahmad Mokhtar, to learn more about Swypex’s journey and future strategy.

 

First, what inspired you to found Swypex, and how has the company’s vision developed since day one?

We founded Swypex in 2022 to meet the growing needs of businesses in Egypt. Over the past years, Egypt has witnessed a significant push towards digitizing financial services, driven by the government’s support marked by the rollout of ‘InstaPay’ for consumers, widespread adoption of point-of-sale (PoS) terminals, and implementation of the e-invoice system, in addition to mandating government entities to accept digital payments. 

Yet, despite this progress, businesses remained without genuine solutions to digitize their internal spending while maintaining robust governance and control levels. Here came Swypex to offer an innovative, safe solution that enables businesses to track expenses efficiently and transparently. 

 

What are the key services or flagship products that Swypex offers in the fintech field?

We offer a wide spectrum of technology services, notably smart corporate cards that allow each employee or team to operate under flexible, personalized spending policies. These cards can be activated within minutes and delivered in only 24 hours.

Swypex also features a comprehensive platform to manage expenses and approvals, offering live tracking and direct integration with e-invoice systems, real-time financial reporting, and smart analytics to help teams make informed decisions. Additionally, the platform integrates directly with the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to streamline accounting processes.   

 

What sets Swypex apart from its competitors in this dynamic market?

At Swypex, we deliver several financial solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses, empowering them to digitize expenses while ensuring higher levels of transparency and control.

We also develop programs that align with actual operations and procedures that companies follow today, delivered through a seamless, easy-to-use digital platform that helps finance and management teams streamline spending management efficiently and in a more organized manner.

 

What are the biggest challenges you face in delivering innovative financial solutions, and how do you address them?

The biggest challenge we face is the long-standing lack of innovative financial solutions, which has forced companies to create their own complex internal processes to manage spending.

To address this, we work closely with finance teams to deeply understand their workflows and develop software that helps them solve problems automatically without requiring complicated training or drastic changes to their daily operations. Our goal is to ensure that technology acts as an enabler, simplifying workflows rather than creating additional challenges.

 

How does Swypex align itself with security and compliance standards?

Swypex adheres to the highest global standards for data and transaction security and implements top-level protections in compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). We also work closely with local banks to ensure full compliance with banking laws and regulations set by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). 

 

What are the company’s expansion plans in terms of exploring new markets and developing products?

We are developing additional features for our clients, such as broadening subscription packages to cater to medium and large businesses by offering flexible services, spending analysis tools, ERP system integration solutions, and tailored short-term financing services for corporates. All of this aligns with Swypex’s mission to establish an inclusive financial ecosystem that covers every aspect of corporate expense management.  

 

What are the key partnerships that Swypex forged in Egypt and the broader region?

We formed multiple partnerships in Egypt, including a strategic collaboration with Visa to offer smart, secure corporate cards and another partnership with Mashreq Bank. Additionally, we partnered with MDP to develop banking and technical infrastructure.

These partnerships enable us to deliver services that give companies greater control, transparency, and operational efficiency in managing their financial processes.

 

What is the current size and reach of Swypex’s business activities?

Swypex officially launched its operations in 2024, rapidly accelerating its business growth. Today, we partner with several key players in pivotal sectors, such as logistics, contracting, manufacturing, retail, technology, tourism, and more. These partnerships significantly contribute to the steady monthly increase in the volume of transactions processed through SwipeX.

 

What role does customer experience play in Swypex’s strategy, and how do you enhance it? 

Customer experience is at the core of our work. We design every product and service based on genuine feedback from customers. Our dedicated team works continuously to enhance the user experience by regularly measuring customer satisfaction and engaging directly with their feedback.  

Swypex’s goal is to provide a flexible, fast, and hassle-free financial experience.

 

Finally, Swypex has contributed to shaping the fintech landscape in Egypt since its launch in 2022 by providing innovative financial solutions to help startups manage their spending efficiently. During this short period, the company has forged strategic partnerships with leading entities and financial institutions in Egypt.

 

Translation: Noha Gad

Last-mile delivery innovations: Key innovations for modern e-commerce

Noha Gad

 

The substantial growth in the e-commerce sector over the past few years has revolutionized the retail landscape, powered by a surge in global online shoppers and evolving consumer expectations. In 2025, the number of online shoppers across the world is expected to reach around 2.77 billion, representing almost one-third of the global population, according to recent data released by SellersCommerce, a leading global B2B platform transforming the e-commerce landscape. 

This rapid expansion is triggered by increasing internet penetration, mobile commerce adoption, and the convenience offered by digital platforms. Consumers now demand faster, more flexible, and reliable delivery options, raising the bar for companies to optimize their last-mile delivery processes.

 

The term ‘last-mile delivery’ refers to the final stage in the supply chain where goods travel from a warehouse or local distribution center to the end customer’s doorstep, business, or a parcel locker. Although last-mile delivery is the shortest leg of a product’s journey, it is the most complex and expensive part of the logistics process, accounting for over half of total shipping costs. This phase directly links brands to consumers, serving as the ultimate touchpoint in fulfilling customer orders.

 

The rise in e-commerce and on-demand services highlighted the importance of last-mile delivery in meeting customers’ expectations to receive their packages safely with remarkable speed and flexibility. Same-day and next-day delivery options have become standard expectations, pushing businesses to innovate and optimize this phase of logistics. Thus, last-mile delivery is no longer just about moving parcels but about delivering superior customer experience and satisfaction.

 

Last-mile delivery requires careful route optimization, multiple stops, and flexible scheduling to meet strict delivery deadlines, especially in crowded urban environments. With growing expectations for transparency, customers now demand real-time tracking and prompt notifications, adding pressure on carriers and logistics providers. Successfully navigating these operational complexities can set companies apart in a competitive landscape and build lasting customer loyalty.

 

The evolution in last-mile delivery

The last-mile delivery landscape saw a remarkable evolution, driven by the shift from simple, manual processes to highly sophisticated, technology-driven operations. In the past, deliveries were largely managed through routine routes and fixed schedules, but today, last-mile delivery has transformed into a dynamic, customer-focused process that leverages data analytics, automation, and smart logistics solutions to optimize every step of the journey.

Emerging technologies played a pivotal role in enabling this shift. Real-time tracking systems, route optimization software, and mobile applications empowered delivery teams with the tools to plan more efficient routes, reduce fuel consumption, and proactively communicate with customers. Additionally, data analytics provides crucial insights into delivery patterns, resource allocation, and customer preferences, allowing companies to enhance their operations for maximum efficiency. 

These technological developments raised customers' expectations for last-mile delivery as shoppers prioritize speed and convenience, with same-day and even one-hour deliveries becoming standard in many markets. 

 

Outsourcing last-mile delivery became a strategic priority for many businesses aiming to meet the rising demands of today’s fast-paced and competitive market. By outsourcing last-mile delivery, companies mainly rely on specialized third-party logistics (3PL) providers to handle the critical final stage of the supply chain, instead of managing their own fleets and delivery personnel.

This shift enables businesses to scale operations efficiently without incurring the heavy costs of fleet ownership and management. It also enhances customer experience by providing more localized and flexible delivery options.

 

Key innovations in last-mile delivery

  • Electric and autonomous delivery vehicles. This innovation is ideal in urban locations with frequent stops and short distances. It contributes to reducing carbon emissions, noise pollution, and operational costs. Leveraging AI, GPS, and sensors, autonomous delivery vehicles can navigate complex environments and operate 24/7. Despite these promising benefits, challenges remain in regulatory approval, cybersecurity, and infrastructure adaptation.
  • Drone Delivery. This solution rapidly emerged as a transformative power in last-mile logistics as it offers unparalleled speed and flexibility in reaching customers, especially in congested urban centers and remote areas. This ability makes drones ideal for urgent deliveries such as medical supplies, food, and small parcels, where speed is critical. Electric-powered drones produce zero emissions and reduce road congestion, enabling direct deliveries to homes or designated drone ports, supporting sustainable urban logistics. One of the key challenges that delivery drones face is payload and flight range limitations that restrict package size and delivery distance.

 

Overall, last-mile delivery acts as a critical bridge in the logistics chain, connecting the complex global supply network to individual consumer experiences. Its evolving role requires continuous innovation to meet customer expectations for fast, reliable, and sustainable delivery. Mastering last-mile delivery is not just about moving parcels faster; it’s about crafting exceptional delivery experiences that build trust, loyalty, and a greener future in an ever-connected digital marketplace.