Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia has introduced the “Ahlan” app as a unified digital fan identity for upcoming football tournaments, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The platform handles ticketing, transport, and stadium access to provide a seamless user experience. Currently in its pilot phase during the AFC Champions League Elite 2026, the app is a key part of the Kingdom’s digital transformation under Vision 2030.
Pakistan is launching a dedicated Cyber Operations and Defense Emulation Lab to simulate and counter high-tech hacking threats. Managed by NCERT and the Ministry of IT, the facility will allow various sectors to test their incident response capabilities in a secure environment. The project is part of a national strategy to enhance cybersecurity infrastructure and protect the country’s expanding digital ecosystem.
JazzCash has reached a major milestone by onboarding 1 million Raast QR-enabled merchants, solidifying its position as Pakistan’s largest digital payment network. The platform, which serves 58 million customers, processed transaction values equal to 13% of the nation’s GDP in 2025. By integrating with the state-backed Raast system, JazzCash is accelerating financial inclusion and supporting the growth of small businesses and women-led enterprises across the country.
Pakistan has secured strong investment backing from VEON and Jazz following a successful and transparent multiband spectrum auction. The partnership aims to accelerate the country’s digital transformation by expanding high-speed connectivity and enhancing financial inclusion through platforms like JazzCash. This collaboration supports Pakistan’s strategic shift toward a cashless economy and a more robust digital ecosystem.
Oman’s Ministry of Transport has opened an investment opportunity for the creation of a nationwide digital ticketing platform. The system will integrate ticket sales across various digital channels to streamline public transport use and improve data-driven management. This move aligns with the country’s digital transformation goals and includes a rigorous tender process concluding in July 2026.
Under Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Nepal has enforced a nationwide ban on all online betting apps and websites to curb the rise of digital gambling. The Ministry of Communications has coordinated with telecommunications authorities to block access within 24 hours, citing risks to social and financial stability. This crackdown is a centerpiece of the new government’s reform agenda and carries strict legal penalties for both operators and users.
B.TECH has launched “B.TECH Business,” an integrated platform providing technology, logistics, and operational support for enterprises in Egypt. Moving beyond simple retail, the service targets sectors like healthcare and banking to streamline digital transformation. The initiative leverages B.TECH’s existing infrastructure to offer corporate clients a unified solution for procurement and supply chain management.
African telecommunications ministers have signed the Algiers Declaration, a strategic framework for 2026–2030 aimed at securing digital sovereignty and enhancing continental connectivity. The agreement focuses on expanding integrated infrastructure, localizing data storage, and strengthening cybersecurity across Africa. By prioritizing rural inclusion and human capital, the declaration seeks to bridge the digital divide while protecting critical national systems.
Algeria and Niger are expanding their bilateral ties with a focus on telecommunications infrastructure and digital skills. The partnership aims to improve regional fiber optic connectivity and establish joint training centers to bolster local ICT expertise. Algeria will provide technical support for Niger’s digital and postal service rollout, leveraging its own experience in ecosystem development.
Presight and NodeShift have formed a strategic alliance to deploy sovereign AI technologies globally, backed by investment from the Presight-Shorooq Fund I. Following a successful accelerator program, NodeShift is currently implementing AI solutions for the Central Bank of the UAE. The collaboration focuses on providing secure, compliant, and on-premises generative AI tools for highly regulated industries.