Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt’s Cybersecurity Academy enters its second year, offering free training to 5,000 young people across school, university, and graduate levels. Supported by national authorities and international tech companies, the program provides practical cybersecurity skills and accredited certification, aiming to enhance digital safety and career readiness nationwide.
A fire at Telecom Egypt’s data centre in Cairo resulted in four deaths and disrupted communications and banking services. Connectivity dropped significantly, but authorities expect gradual service restoration. The incident is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, and support is being extended to affected families.
EDOTCO Bangladesh and Tiger New Energy have joined forces to pilot renewable energy solutions for telecom infrastructure, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy access. Their collaboration introduces battery backup and charging technologies to support sustainable connectivity and advance Bangladesh’s green energy goals.
Pay10’s licensing by Bahrain’s Central Bank is a key step in expanding its fintech footprint, enabling it to offer real-time, mobile-first payment solutions integrated with Bahrain’s domestic rails. This supports the Kingdom’s financial inclusion goals amid rapid digital transaction growth. Pay10 targets SMEs underserved by traditional systems, providing a modern, scalable platform for diverse payment needs.
BusyMed is addressing South Africa’s healthcare accessibility challenges by digitizing medicine delivery and pharmacy services. The app improves convenience for patients, especially in rural areas, by enabling medicine orders, prescription management, and healthcare consultations remotely. Its planned expansion into telehealth services reflects a broader vision to support primary healthcare digitally and affordably.
Afghanistan’s Zabul province has seen a remarkable transformation in telecommunication services following years of conflict and underdevelopment. The installation of new network towers across the province has eased communication hardships, allowing residents to connect from home for the first time. Provincial officials continue efforts to expand coverage to all areas, reflecting broader national reconstruction goals in telecommunications and infrastructure.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met with Etisalat Group’s CEO and senior officials to discuss expanding investments in Pakistan’s ICT and telecom sectors. The government emphasized its commitment to a business-friendly environment to boost the digital economy. Etisalat reaffirmed its long-term dedication to supporting Pakistan’s digital development and connectivity targets.
Morocco is investing $26 million in Rabat Gaming City, launching training programs and a developer hub to combat youth unemployment and double gaming revenue by 2030. The Morocco Gaming Expo showcased global games and e-sports, highlighting Morocco’s goal to become Africa’s creative gaming hub.
The UAE leads global mobile shopping, with 67% using smartphones for recent purchases, outpacing Saudi Arabia and Singapore. Driven by convenience and security, mobile retail grew 23% since 2022. Millennials lead adoption, Gen X follows, and rising cross-channel shopping solidifies the UAE’s role in digital commerce innovation.
Media City Qatar and Commercial Bank signed an agreement to streamline banking support for investors and licensed companies, simplifying business setup and enhancing financial services. This partnership supports Qatar National Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and innovation in the media and technology sectors.