Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
ZTE and e& signed two major MoUs at GITEX Global 2025 to co-develop 5G private networks for smart cities and advance renewable energy innovation. The partnership supports UAE’s sustainability vision through AI-driven telecom infrastructure, energy-efficient systems, and next-generation connectivity across industries.
Tunisia has announced that the Global Game Jam 2026 will be held from January 26 to February 1, highlighting Africa’s emerging talent in gaming and digital creativity. Organized by Makers Factory and partners, the event invites developers and artists to create new games within 48 hours, reinforcing Tunisia’s leadership in Africa’s tech innovation scene.
Sri Lanka showcased its growing ICT and AI capabilities at GITEX GLOBAL 2025 in Dubai, led by the Consulate General and the EDB. The delegation of women entrepreneurs and tech firms engaged in global networking to attract investment and partnerships, aligning with Sri Lanka’s goal of becoming a $3.7 billion ICT export industry by 2027.
Arab National Bank’s TeleMoney has partnered with Mastercard to enhance cross-border payments through Mastercard Move, enabling transfers to over 160 countries in 150 currencies. The collaboration supports Vision 2030’s digital finance goals amid a 15% rise in remittances, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a fintech leader.
HP has launched its first manufacturing facility in Riyadh and an AI R&D Center in Dhahran to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The dual investment will enhance local production, strengthen supply chains, and accelerate AI innovation across key sectors. It also underscores HP’s commitment to developing Saudi talent, promoting digital inclusion, and positioning the Kingdom as a hub for regional innovation.
Jazz and DynaSys Networks have launched Pakistan’s first city-wide LoRaWAN network in Lahore, marking a major step toward smart city development. The network enables scalable IoT solutions across sectors like agriculture, industry, and urban planning. Fully compliant with PTA’s IoT framework and hosted locally, the system ensures secure, sustainable connectivity as part of Pakistan’s broader digital transformation.
A Kaspersky report shows that 86% of professionals in Pakistan now use AI tools at work, but over half lack training in cybersecurity risks. While most organizations officially allow AI use, many lack clear policies, raising concerns over data security and ethical practices. Kaspersky recommends companies implement structured AI governance to balance innovation with safety.
PTCL Group and CEQUENS have partnered to launch a Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) in Pakistan, announced at GITEX Global 2025. The collaboration will empower enterprises with AI-driven, omnichannel customer engagement tools spanning SMS, voice, and WhatsApp. The initiative supports PTCL’s mission to accelerate enterprise digital transformation and CEQUENS’ goal to expand its global communication ecosystem.
PTCL Group recorded a 15% year-on-year revenue increase for the first nine months of 2025, driven by strong broadband, mobile data, and enterprise growth. PTCL’s standalone revenue rose 13%, Ufone 4G achieved 15% growth, and Ubank reported 19%. Despite a Rs 1.2 billion net loss due to a pension liability adjustment, the Group’s operating profit surged 57% to Rs 12.9 billion, reflecting continued strength across all business units.
The Oman Research and Education Network Technology Summit (OTS25) spotlighted AI’s transformative potential in education, research, and economic growth. Hosted under ministerial patronage, the event emphasized ethical innovation, collaboration, and capacity building to align with Oman’s national AI strategy. The summit concluded with new partnerships, research initiatives, and recognition of AI solutions advancing Oman’s knowledge economy.