Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Jordan will pilot its first e-passport on September 1, offering biometric security, ICAO recognition, and online applications. The launch is part of a broader digital transformation strategy that includes new e-services and exploration of a central bank digital currency.
The 9th International Scientific Conference on Arbaeen urged Iraq to integrate Arbaeen’s values into education, adopt AI and drones for crowd management, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainability. It also recommended global partnerships, research grants, and greater youth and women’s participation.
Egypt’s handset market will grow from $2.5B in 2025 to $4.8B by 2031, driven by local assembly and policy incentives. Imports of finished phones have plunged, while major brands invest locally. Scaling production can boost exports, cut costs, and fuel digital inclusion across Africa and MENA.
Egypt’s e-commerce market hit $10.2B in 2025 and is forecast to reach $19.3B by 2030. With 96M internet users, 72% of sales via mobile, and platforms like Rabbit and Talabat Mart scaling regionally, local expertise and digital fluency are driving Egypt’s transformation into a regional e-commerce powerhouse.
Telecom Egypt and KareXpert will build a secure national digital healthcare platform, offering EMRs, hospital management, and digital billing. Hosted in Egypt for compliance and privacy, the system supports AI and IoT scalability, reinforcing Egypt Vision 2030’s push toward a smart healthcare ecosystem.
Egypt’s ICT sector is expanding rapidly, growing 16% annually and contributing 5.8% to GDP. With over 145,000 outsourcing jobs, 8M Digital Egypt users, and a 25-fold increase in training budgets, the government is prioritising innovation, AI, and digital entrepreneurship to attract global investment.
Bangladesh-China Apon Media Club and TMGB signed an MoU in Dhaka to expand cooperation in tech news exchange, journalist training, and professional development. The partnership aims to strengthen bilateral media ties, with China sharing expertise in AI and mobile journalism with Bangladeshi professionals.
Bangladesh’s TV market is embracing AI, with global and local brands introducing personalized, voice-controlled, and adaptive smart TVs. While affordability and infrastructure challenges remain, rising demand in urban centres and local innovation suggest AI features will soon become mainstream for Bangladeshi households.
SAP hosted its Business Suite Innovation Day in Karachi, highlighting AI, cloud ERP, and data-driven enterprise solutions. With participation from MG Motors, Aramco, and Orient Materials, the event showcased real-world use cases, reaffirming SAP’s role in driving Pakistan’s business transformation.
The National Bank of Bahrain has become the first Diamond Sponsor of Fintech Forward 2025, reaffirming its leadership in driving digital innovation. The event will unite global fintech leaders in Bahrain to explore integration, regulation, and trust, as the Kingdom builds a mature, future-ready financial ecosystem.