Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan’s local plants produced 30.21 million mobile phones in 2025, dwarfing commercial imports. Output included 15.64 million smartphones and 14.57 million 2G devices, with smartphones now forming 71 percent of phones on local networks. Despite this, imports still crossed $800 million in five months.
Wateen Telecom has partnered with Nayatel to provide nationwide carrier-grade connectivity across Pakistan. The agreement delivers Layer-2 services over Wateen’s fibre backbone, offering 100Gbps+ capacity and resilient metro networks. The collaboration strengthens Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and enables Nayatel to deliver reliable, high-speed broadband at scale.
Global Money Exchange has launched Global Pay, a mobile payments app powered by Comviva, to accelerate Oman’s shift toward a cashless economy. The platform enables transfers, remittances, bill payments, and QR-based merchant payments without requiring a bank account, strengthening financial inclusion and interoperability across the Sultanate’s digital ecosystem.
Oman climbed to 18th in the Speedtest Global Index after doubling median download speeds in three years. Regulatory reforms, 3G sunset, new competition, and sustained 5G investment lifted coverage to 91 percent, strengthened resilience, and positioned the sultanate among the world’s fastest mobile markets.
AI, real-time payments and embedded finance are reshaping how money moves in Oman. Comviva CEO Rajesh Chandiramani says gamification, cybersecurity and mobile-first platforms are redefining financial services, with the launch of Global Pay Oman marking a key milestone in the country’s digital payments journey.
WAM Morocco has convened over 60 global leaders, including the UN’s Chief AI Officer and billion-dollar investors, delivering 45+ hours of Industry 4.0 content. The event positions Casablanca as a strategic hub for AI-driven manufacturing, green industry, and industrial transformation across Africa.
Africa’s mobile money and digital economy boom is colliding with an escalating wave of cybercrime. With billions lost annually and attacks targeting banks, telecoms and governments, experts warn fragmented policies and external dependence are leaving the continent exposed. Sustainable growth now hinges on building strong, homegrown cybersecurity capacity.
India and Kuwait convened the India–Kuwait AI Impact Dialogue 2026 in Kuwait to advance cooperation in artificial intelligence. The event highlighted India’s AI leadership, startup ecosystem and digital infrastructure while setting the stage for the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, fostering cross-border collaboration in emerging technologies.
eYouth has expanded into Iraq through a partnership with Al-Majal Group, launching the country’s first Arabic-language digital learning platform aligned with labor market needs. The initiative targets youth and professionals, delivering high-quality, employer-focused training to strengthen workforce readiness and build a sustainable talent ecosystem.
Network International has signed a strategic processing agreement with Saudi Sudanese Bank to deliver end-to-end digital payments, including Mastercard sponsorship and prepaid issuing. The partnership aims to modernise Sudan’s financial ecosystem, improve cross-border trade efficiency, and enable faster, safer, and more inclusive banking services.