Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Morocco has been classified with medium maturity in the 2025 ESCWA Maturity Index for electronic and mobile government services. The report shows Morocco’s digital infrastructure is expanding, but improvements are needed in service development, user satisfaction, and enhancing public access, especially compared to regional leaders like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Cybernet, Pakistan’s leading fibre broadband provider, has chosen Nokia’s optical transport solution to deploy a new long-haul optical fibre network. The 1.2 Tbps infrastructure will connect over 25 cities, supporting data centre interconnects and high-capacity services. This will enhance Pakistan’s connectivity and support regional transit services for Central Asia.
A Telenor report reveals that while Bangladeshis are embracing mobile technology and AI, concerns about online security remain high, with seven in ten users worried about account safety. The report highlights a gender gap in AI adoption at work, with men outpacing women in usage.
Oman has improved its position in the 2024 Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index, scoring 72%, up from 66% in 2023. The report highlights progress in digital government services, with improvements in service availability, user satisfaction, and mobile platforms, though a digital divide persists in the region.
Orange Tunisie has inaugurated a cutting-edge data centre in Sousse, Tunisia, aimed at supporting the digital transformation of local businesses. This Tier III compliant facility provides secure, scalable hosting solutions, including cloud services and business continuity, benefiting both internal and B2B clients.
BoxCommerce has partnered with ruya to provide SMEs in the UAE with an integrated solution combining eCommerce tools and financial services. This partnership aims to empower local businesses, helping them grow and succeed in the digital economy, with tools for online stores, payments, marketing, and tailored banking services.
The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has launched two AI-powered features, Smart Disclosures and Financial Summary, on its iVestor app to improve investors’ access to information and facilitate informed decision-making. This update is part of a broader effort to enhance the app’s capabilities and support investor engagement in Dubai’s capital markets.
The Sri Lanka High Commission in Singapore hosted a networking event on 24 April 2025, bringing together Sri Lankan IT professionals and companies to promote collaboration and support the country’s tech sector. High Commissioner Dissanayake highlighted the sector’s economic importance and the government’s commitment to digital transformation.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh has adopted a new contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) technique, allowing for immediate biopsy sampling during a single visit. This innovation eliminates redundant procedures, reducing patient burden and treatment delays, while improving efficiency and accuracy in diagnosing breast tumors previously undetectable by conventional imaging methods.
The ESCWA’s 2024 GEMS report shows improving digital government services in 17 Arab countries, with Saudi Arabia and UAE leading. The regional average score rose to 45% from 43% in 2023. However, significant gaps remain, particularly in sectors like health and tourism, as some countries lag behind.