Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
A study by Save the Children Jordan revealed that 15.8% of children aged 10 to 17 have experienced digital abuse, with cyberbullying, account hacking, and blackmail being the most common threats. The study also highlighted a concerning lack of parental awareness and low usage of digital safety tools.
Mastercard has partnered with eNovate, a subsidiary of eFinance Investment Group, to introduce a Card-as-a-Service (CaaS) solution to Egypt. This collaboration provides banks, fintechs, and non-financial institutions with an efficient platform for launching digital payment products, supporting Egypt’s digital transformation and Vision 2030 goals.
The National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) of Egypt has approved an initial price increase for telecommunications services due to rising operating costs faced by mobile companies. The agency is evaluating the best timing to implement the increase while considering consumer interests.
Telenor Microfinance Bank (TMB) has received a $10 million equity investment from Telenor Group and Ant Group, supporting the launch of Easypaisa’s digital retail banking operations in Pakistan. This investment, along with impressive financial results, strengthens TMB’s mission to enhance digital financial inclusion and deliver innovative banking solutions in Pakistan.
Pakistan and Qatar have pledged to deepen collaboration in IT, startups, and cybersecurity, following a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister of IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Qatar’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Ali Mubarak Ali Essa Al-Khater. The countries discussed MoUs, student exchanges, and facilitating market access for Pakistani IT firms.
Egypt is positioning itself as a global hub for outsourcing and technology innovation, with a focus on expanding digital exports and supporting startups. ITIDA’s efforts aim to boost Egypt’s competitiveness, leveraging key initiatives like “Export IT,” AI advancements, and digital signature services to foster growth in the tech sector.
Grameen Digital Healthcare Solutions (GDHS) has partnered with Robi Axiata to improve digital healthcare access in Bangladesh. The collaboration will expand GDHS’s Shukhee app, offering services like video consultations and home lab tests to underserved communities. This partnership aims to make healthcare more accessible nationwide.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank – Egypt (ADIB Egypt) has announced plans to invest EGP 1 billion in the digital sector, focusing on technological infrastructure and cybersecurity. This strategic move comes as the bank records net profits of EGP 6.80 billion for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2024.
Qara, an Egyptian supply chain technology startup, has secured $2.6 million in funding to expand into Saudi Arabia. The platform ensures product authentication and traceability, benefiting over 50,000 users across multiple countries. This expansion aligns with Vision 2030 and highlights Qara’s role in driving innovation in the region.
Wazoku has expanded into the GCC region by establishing a UAE presence, investing in local server infrastructure, and partnering with FKRA for market expertise. This strategic move supports innovation management needs, builds on Wazoku’s track record, and aligns with the UAE’s R&D goals.