Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Cash Plus has launched a QR code-based mobile payment service to boost digital commerce in Morocco. Adopted by 12,000 merchants since January 2026, the app-based system eliminates the need for banking hardware. The initiative leverages 5,200 agencies to drive financial inclusion and simplify digital transactions for two million users.
TEDCO, USM, and WTCI are collaborating with Jordan’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship for an April 6 webinar exploring Jordan as a tech gateway to the MENA region. The event focuses on Jordan’s high density of engineers, the “Jordan Source” growth program, and opportunities for Maryland tech companies to expand cross-border.
Samsung plans to convert its global production sites into fully autonomous “AI-Driven Factories” by 2030. Utilizing Agentic AI and digital twins, the company will automate quality control, logistics, and safety monitoring. The strategy includes deploying humanoid robots and establishing strict AI governance to ensure responsible and efficient autonomous manufacturing operations worldwide.
Egypt has approved its 2025–2030 National AI Strategy, focusing on cross-sector integration and the launch of a new open data policy to empower startups. The plan includes AI safety guidelines for children and a partnership with UNESCO to train government personnel across Africa. By seeking membership in global committees like CDNET, Egypt aims to cement its role as a regional hub for data and innovation.
Egypt is modernizing services for expatriates by digitizing consular procedures and simplifying customs for cars and mobile phones. A cross-ministry meeting chaired by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also addressed easier university admissions for students abroad and improved legal support. These steps aim to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and strengthen ties with the Egyptian diaspora.
Bangladesh mobile operators have warned of potential network collapses due to fuel shortages and power rationing triggered by Middle East conflict. AMTOB has requested the BTRC to grant priority fuel and electricity allocation to keep 185 million users connected. Lack of generator fuel threatens data centers, emergency services, and digital transactions ahead of the Eid holidays.
The Communications Authority of Kenya is auditing Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology to prevent interference with terrestrial 4G and 5G networks. The review, prompted by an Airtel Kenya partnership, focuses on managing shared spectrum usage between LEO satellites and mobile towers. A final decision on power limits and geographic restrictions is expected by mid-2026.
Saudi Arabia and UNESCO have launched a collaborative framework for sustainable AI under Vision 2030. The initiative focuses on “Greening of AI” to reduce energy consumption and “Greening with AI” to solve global environmental issues. By embedding ethics and human-centered design, the Kingdom aims to lead global responsible AI governance.
Jordan has updated its Sanad app, enabling property tax payments and providing non-Jordanians with vehicle and traffic fine access. The update introduces eKYC facial recognition for remote account management and digital ID verification. With over 2.38 million active users, the app continues to drive Jordan’s digital transformation and economic modernization.
As GCC nations move toward “trust by design,” secure communication has become a strategic priority for national sovereignty. Moving beyond simple digitization, the region is adopting Digital Postbox models and edge-to-edge encryption to ensure official interactions are verifiable and legally binding. This shift reduces fraud and solidifies the foundation of future digital societies in line with Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040.