Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistani freelancers earned $557 million in six months, driven by strong global demand for tech services and supportive policy reforms. With 2.37 million professionals contributing, the country’s digital workforce is accelerating IT exports and positioning freelancing as a key pillar of Pakistan’s economic growth.
Omantel’s launch of OTECH marks a strategic push to accelerate digital transformation in Oman. Focused on cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and systems integration, the company aims to strengthen data sovereignty, build national tech talent, and support economic diversification while positioning Oman as a regional digital hub.
Ncell CEO Michael Foley says license uncertainty beyond 2029 is blocking major telecom investments in Nepal, including 5G and data centers. He argues that regulatory clarity and allowing Ncell to become majority Nepali-owned are essential to unlock sustainable FDI and strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure.
GITEX AFRICA Morocco will return to Marrakech from April 7 to 9, 2026, placing artificial intelligence at the center of discussions on sovereign digital growth. The event aims to advance public policy, scale high-impact solutions, and strengthen cross-border cooperation across Africa’s digital economy.
FBR Cables has opened a MAD 200 million fiber optic cable plant in Berrechid, boosting annual capacity to 70,000 kilometers and covering around 60% of Morocco’s national demand. The facility strengthens industrial sovereignty, creates jobs, and supports regional exports to African markets.
Emirates NBD Egypt has launched Apple Pay, enabling secure, contactless payments across Apple devices with Face ID and tokenized security. The service supports in-store and online transactions, includes 50% cashback at launch, and aligns with Egypt’s national push toward digital financial transformation.
Egypt grants Mercedes-Benz Egypt IoT licences for vehicles, supporting digital transformation, road safety, and advanced connected services.
Orange Egypt, in partnership with GIZ and Aswan University, has launched its first Digital Centre in Upper Egypt to train youth in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, embedded systems, and hardware prototyping. The initiative aims to bridge academic education with labor market needs, foster innovation through events and hackathons, and expand digital skills opportunities across the region.
Chief Executive Abdulwahed AlJanahi described the launch as a key milestone in enhancing Bahrain’s electronic payments infrastructure and enabling the country’s digital economy ambitions.
The initiative forms part of Algeria’s national digital transformation strategy through 2030, supported by efforts to establish an updated legal and regulatory framework — including a draft digitalization law — and reinforced cybersecurity measures to safeguard data and information systems.