Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Smart home devices are booming in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with six million devices integrated into Alexa users’ lives. In 2023, users initiated 130 million smart home actions and 100 million music requests. The region saw a 50% YoY increase in smart home customers and a 90% increase in connected devices.
In Q1 2024, 200 Emiratis were trained in app development under the ‘Create Apps in Dubai’ initiative by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. The initiative aims to train 1,000 Emiratis and triple Dubai’s app developers by 2025. The ‘App Olympics’ competition saw 1,100 participants in February.
Swiss GRC has launched its flagship product, the GRC Toolbox, in the Middle East with a new office in Dubai. The GRC Toolbox offers advanced, customizable solutions in Arabic to help organizations enhance governance, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage risks effectively, supporting the region’s digital transformation.
Mikenopa expands into Saudi Arabia, partnering with AstroLabs to provide advanced digital solutions for the hospitality sector. This move aims to enhance guest experiences and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, positioning the country as a leading destination for tourism and investment.
GITEX Africa Morocco 2024, held from May 29-31 in Marrakech, will focus on AI and digital transformation. The event will gather leaders from 130 countries to boost Africa’s innovation economy. Organized by KAOUN International, it aims to position Morocco as a regional digital hub.
Orange Jordan and the Norwegian Refugee Council have launched a free three-month digital skills training program for Jordanian youth in Irbid. Part of the ‘Najahna – Our Success’ project, the program aims to enhance programming and digital manufacturing skills, empowering participants for the job market.
ZainCash has implemented Temenos core banking and payments solutions to enhance its digital services in Iraq. The platform will help ZainCash scale rapidly, offer new services, and promote financial inclusion by reaching 3 million users, including the unbanked population, by the end of the year.
OneOrder, an Egyptian logistics and supply chain tech company for the HoReCa industry, raised $16 million in a Series A round to expand into the GCC region. The company aims to streamline supply chains with AI-assisted technology, enhancing operations for over 1,370 customers with comprehensive solutions.
Yango reaffirmed its commitment to Africa’s development at the CEO Africa Forum in Kigali. Operating in over 13 countries, Yango focuses on empowering local SMEs and enhancing urban transportation through technology, with plans to expand partnerships and services across the continent.
Telenor, Grameenphone, and Plan International have launched the “Digital Inclusion: Safe Digital Space for Girls and Youth Project” to empower over 2.35 million marginalized women and youth in Bangladesh, focusing on enhancing digital literacy, skills, and creating a safe online environment.