RegNext | Daily Middle East & Africa Radar | EOD Briefing | Thursday 04 Jun 2026

Qatar Central Bank just expanded its HIMYAN card acceptance to Bahrain. Here's what it means for cross-border payment integration in the Gulf region.

1️⃣ [#3] Qatar Central Bank — Qatar Central Bank announces the acceptance of "HIMYAN" card in the Kingdom of Bahrain
What changed: The local payment card scheme is now operational in Bahrain for cross-border transactions.
What's next: Further regional integration and potential expansion of the HIMYAN scheme to other GCC countries are expected.

2️⃣ [#2] Bank of Mauritius — Prospectus - Government of Mauritius Treasury Certificates
What changed: The regulator has released a formal prospectus detailing the terms for new Government of Mauritius Treasury Certificates.
What's next: Interested parties should review the specific subscription windows and yields defined in the June 04 documentation.

3️⃣ [#4] Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority — IP GAZETTE VOL 22 NO 37 JUNE 3, 2026
What changed: The authority has published the latest volume of the IP Gazette containing essential trademark and patent registration notices.
What's next: Relevant stakeholders have a limited window to review the gazette for potential conflicts and file necessary oppositions.

Today's regulatory landscape in the MEA and Africa region highlights a dual focus on regional connectivity and domestic market depth. The integration of Qatar's HIMYAN card into Bahrain's infrastructure is a move for regional payment systems, reducing reliance on international networks for local cross-border retail. Simultaneously, the activity in Mauritius demonstrates a sophisticated approach to liquidity management and public debt issuance. The central bank is managing multiple instruments, from Treasury Certificates to short-term bills, ensuring a balanced monetary environment. In Ethiopia, the consistent publication of intellectual property records underscores the ongoing effort to formalize and protect the legal interests of commercial entities. These developments provide a clear signal that regulatory bodies in these jurisdictions are actively modernizing their financial and legal frameworks to support stable economic growth and regional cooperation.

Full analysis in today's RegNext Daily Middle East & Africa Radar.