Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia opened GSR-25 with ITU, uniting 190 nations to address the digital divide. A joint study calls for $2.8 trillion in investment, while Saudi initiatives focus on skills, regulation, and AI-era solutions to achieve universal connectivity.
Munify has raised $3M in seed funding led by Y Combinator to expand its cross-border digital banking services for Egyptians abroad. The fintech aims to reduce remittance costs, improve access to global banking, and strengthen financial inclusion for expatriates.
Grey and dLocal have achieved 80% quarterly payout growth in new markets, including Brazil, South Africa, and Egypt. Their partnership is enabling faster, low-cost cross-border payments, supporting Grey’s expansion and dLocal’s global growth strategy amid efforts to regain investor confidence.
Egypt is advancing its digital transformation roadmap to attract ICT investment, boost skills training, and support startups. With rapid sector growth, global partnerships, and Vision 2030 alignment, the country is positioning itself as a regional digital leader.
Bangladesh is prioritising logistics reforms to cut trade costs and sustain export growth. Experts stress that reducing bottlenecks, modernising infrastructure, and enabling private-public partnerships are critical to maintaining competitiveness as the country transitions from LDC status.
Bangladeshi schools are rethinking teaching as AI tools like ChatGPT reshape classrooms. Educators see both risks to academic honesty and opportunities for innovation, adopting hybrid approaches that emphasise critical thinking, teacher training, and ethical guidelines to balance AI’s benefits with authentic learning.
Banglalink has installed an 80kW rooftop solar array at its Gazipur data center, producing 130MWh annually and cutting 60 tons of emissions. The project sets a sustainability benchmark for Bangladesh’s telco sector and reflects a regional shift toward renewable-powered infrastructure.
Bahrain concluded the fifth Young Tech Entrepreneur Programme, recognising participants aged 16–25 for their innovative projects and entrepreneurial spirit. The event also honoured key sponsors and partners for supporting the initiative, reinforcing the kingdom’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in technology and business.
Zain Cash and Mastercard are partnering to expand digital payments in Jordan, including prepaid, credit, and SME solutions. The deal introduces an Innovation Hub to co-create services, advancing financial inclusion and supporting Jordan’s digital transformation while reinforcing Zain Cash’s leadership in fintech innovation.
The ICCA Middle East Summit in Bahrain highlighted the region’s growing role in global business events. Leaders stressed AI, strong infrastructure, and sustainability as drivers of growth, while praising Bahrain’s facilities. The industry is expected to deliver wide economic benefits across sectors from tourism to transport.