Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Orange Egypt secured an $80 million syndicated loan from EBRD and Banque Misr to fund its 5G license acquisition and network expansion. The upgrade aims to improve connectivity, foster digital services growth, and reduce carbon emissions, supporting Egypt’s digital transformation and sustainability goals.
Rezaul Karim Arif from Bangladesh won the global AI Showdown Hackathon with PixelFlow, an AI-powered infinite mood-boarding app. Built in 24 hours, PixelFlow stands out for simplicity and powerful AI features. Rezaul plans to scale it independently and inspire others in Bangladesh to explore AI innovation.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator requires ISPs to issue detailed payment receipts and maintain standardized billing records to improve transparency and accountability. The move addresses consumer complaints and includes periodic inspections to enforce compliance across the sector.
stc Bahrain received the “Talent Development Strategic Partner” award at Huawei Bahrain’s ICT Talent Ceremony, acknowledging its significant role in nurturing local ICT talent through programs like Jeel ICT. The company’s efforts support Bahrain’s digital transformation and economic growth ambitions aligned with Vision 2030.
Morocco’s collaboration with Jungnong Group marks a significant step toward modernizing agriculture through water-efficient technologies and precision farming. The joint venture targets sustainable crop production, soil rehabilitation, and workforce training, positioning Morocco as a leader in climate-resilient agriculture while setting the stage for regional expansion in North Africa.
Ransomware attacks have surged across Africa in 2024, with Nigeria ranking third in threat detections. High-profile incidents impacted finance, government, energy, and telecom sectors, involving notorious gangs like LockBit, Hunters, and BlackSuit. The growing digital economy faces escalating cyber risks, highlighting the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity defenses.
Zain KSA has named Eng. Saad bin Abdulrahman AlSadhan as its CEO, following his tenure as Acting CEO. With over two decades in telecom and IT, AlSadhan has been instrumental in expanding Zain’s B2B sector, launching cloud solutions, and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital goals. His appointment underscores Zain’s commitment to innovation and growth.
Palestine Telecom reports that Israeli aggression has destroyed nearly three-quarters of Gaza’s telecommunications infrastructure, causing massive economic losses and service disruptions. Calls for urgent international action to protect and rebuild digital infrastructure are intensifying amid ongoing conflict and network challenges in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Rakuten partners with MENA E-Sports & Events to launch Arabic versions of its digital comics on MangaOasis, targeting the rapidly growing Middle East and Africa market. Initial titles include “Samurai Shinken” and “Gold Boy,” with plans to expand based on audience response.
Orange Middle East and Africa and risingSUD have partnered to support African startups’ expansion into Southern France via the Orange Digital Center network. The collaboration provides tailored support and resources to foster growth, connecting innovation ecosystems across continents and strengthening economic ties between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.