Veon Group has invested US$15 million in Mobilink Bank to expand its microfinance offerings, explore Islamic banking, and enhance its digital capabilities. This strategic investment will support financial inclusion and socio-economic development in Pakistan, aligning with Veon’s goals to foster technological innovation and sustainable growth in the financial sector.
Snap Inc. has introduced SnapGen, an AI image generator optimized for high-end smartphones. With only 379 million parameters, SnapGen outperforms traditional models like SDXL, generating high-resolution images in just 1.4 seconds. This compact design makes advanced image creation more accessible and efficient for users on smartphones.
Helios Towers has appointed Manjit Dhillon as Executive Chair of its Oman subsidiary while maintaining his role as Group CFO. This leadership shift aims to strengthen operational oversight in the region, enhancing Helios Towers’ market strategies and positioning. The company is a major player in telecom infrastructure across Africa and the Middle East.
Morocco has launched the “Video Game Creator” training program to enhance the skills of 40 young Moroccans and strengthen the country’s position in the global gaming industry. The program, running from January to October 2025, offers full tuition coverage and employment opportunities, fostering a sustainable gaming ecosystem in Morocco.
CITRA has addressed the internet disruption in Kuwait caused by damage to one of the international cables connecting the country to the global network. The authority is closely monitoring repair efforts and investigating the incident to ensure preventive measures, such as using alternative cables, are implemented to avoid future disruptions.
Symmetry Group has partnered with Aleph Holdings to bring Spotify’s advanced advertising solutions to Pakistan. This collaboration will allow local businesses to reach targeted audiences through Spotify’s platform, with an expected $5 million in additional revenue in the first year. The partnership marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s digital advertising ecosystem.
Egypt has launched the “Telephony” mobile app to combat mobile phone smuggling and promote local manufacturing. The app allows citizens returning from abroad to register phones for personal use, exempt from fees. The initiative aims to protect consumers, reduce unfair competition, and support Egypt’s digital transformation aligned with Vision 2030.
Elon Musk has confirmed that Starlink, his satellite internet service, is set to launch in Pakistan pending government approval. This development comes amid Pakistan’s struggles with internet disruptions and infrastructure challenges. Starlink’s technology promises to revolutionize internet access, offering high-speed satellite connectivity to both urban and remote areas.
Banglalink has launched an AI-powered chatbot on the MyBL Super App and RYZE app to enhance customer experience. Developed with Google’s GenAI engine, the chatbot supports multiple languages and provides instant solutions, revolutionizing customer engagement in Bangladesh’s telecom industry. The AI tool streamlines customer support and self-service options.
Satellite internet is transforming connectivity in the GCC, bridging the digital divide and empowering remote communities. By enhancing access to services like education, healthcare, and e-commerce, it’s driving innovation and boosting the economy. Satellite technology is also pivotal in industry advancements, including agriculture and oil, fueling the region’s growth.
