Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
SAP has launched its Business Technology Platform (BTP) on Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia for regulated customers. The collaboration supports digital transformation within government and critical infrastructure sectors, providing secure cloud solutions that align with Saudi Vision 2030. The initiative enhances performance and scalability while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
MCCI Dhaka has recommended integrating mobile financial services with Bangladesh’s National Payment Switch, establishing independent credit-scoring agencies, and launching digital banks to address financial inclusion gaps. These measures aim to boost the country’s digital financial services, enhance e-commerce growth, and improve access to loans for underserved groups.
Bank Alfalah has acquired a 9.9% stake in Jingle Pay, a UAE-based fintech specializing in cross-border remittances. The partnership will enhance Bank Alfalah’s digital transformation and support Jingle Pay’s expansion, including a planned launch in Pakistan in early 2025. Jingle Pay processed $1 billion in remittances in 2024.
In 2024, Algeria’s FGAR funded 386 SMEs with a total of USD 427 million, creating over 8,000 jobs. The fund provided loans and financial guarantees across various sectors and regions, supporting business growth. Additionally, it recently expanded loan offerings to include both investment and operating loans.
Google Pay is set to launch in Pakistan by mid-March 2025, allowing users to link debit and credit cards to Google Pay for seamless contactless payments. The service, in collaboration with Visa, Mastercard, and local banks, will help boost Pakistan’s growing digital payments sector, initially focusing on basic payments.
stc Bahrain’s “Trees for Life” campaign reached a major milestone by planting over 55,000 trees since 2021. In 2024, 27,172 trees were added to green spaces across Bahrain. The initiative supports the country’s national afforestation plan, helping achieve environmental sustainability and Bahrain’s vision of net-zero emissions by 2060.
Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology launched the National Digital Authentication and Trust Services Strategy 2024-2026 to support the country’s digital transformation. The strategy focuses on creating a secure digital identity, enhancing collaboration across sectors, and promoting innovation while improving the efficiency of electronic services.
The National Lab for Local Content was inaugurated in Muscat to enhance Oman’s local industries and economic sustainability. Discussions focus on boosting local production, creating jobs, and promoting national resources across critical sectors like energy, construction, and health. A National Content Strategy Guide will be launched in March.
Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed met with delegations from e& UAE and the Ministry of Justice to discuss collaboration in digital infrastructure and judicial services. The discussions focused on enhancing Sharjah’s telecommunications sector, supporting e&’s advancements in AI and fibre-optic networks, and modernizing the judicial system in the UAE.
Saudi Arabia’s deep tech startups, focusing on AI and IoT, have secured over $987 million in funding, driving innovation and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. The report highlights the growing investment ecosystem, the rise in research, and the country’s commitment to advancing its digital economy and sustainable development.