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
The GSMA has launched two transformative initiatives with leading African mobile operators — one to make 4G smartphones more affordable and another to strengthen Africa’s homegrown AI ecosystem through localized language models.
Huawei has launched its GovTech1.0 framework to help governments in the Middle East and Central Asia accelerate digital transformation. The initiative combines AI, cloud, and broadband technologies to modernize governance and enhance public services. The model, already taking shape in Saudi Arabia and other regional markets, underscores Huawei’s role in enabling data-driven, intelligent, and sustainable government operations.
Gulf Bridge International (GBI) has partnered with Nokia to deploy a next-generation optical network across the Middle East, using a new terrestrial route through Iraq to link Europe, Asia, and the Gulf. The system will deliver 50Tbps capacity with 100G–400G services, improving regional resilience and supporting the region’s growing cloud and digital economy.
Digital transactions in the UAE have exceeded $60 billion in 2025, driving a nationwide shift toward e-commerce. Companies like Blue Ocean Global Group are transforming their operations to become tech-enabled distribution hubs, embracing AI, automation, and data analytics to stay ahead in a rapidly digitizing economy.
ZTE and e& signed two major MoUs at GITEX Global 2025 to co-develop 5G private networks for smart cities and advance renewable energy innovation. The partnership supports UAE’s sustainability vision through AI-driven telecom infrastructure, energy-efficient systems, and next-generation connectivity across industries.
Tunisia has announced that the Global Game Jam 2026 will be held from January 26 to February 1, highlighting Africa’s emerging talent in gaming and digital creativity. Organized by Makers Factory and partners, the event invites developers and artists to create new games within 48 hours, reinforcing Tunisia’s leadership in Africa’s tech innovation scene.
Sri Lanka showcased its growing ICT and AI capabilities at GITEX GLOBAL 2025 in Dubai, led by the Consulate General and the EDB. The delegation of women entrepreneurs and tech firms engaged in global networking to attract investment and partnerships, aligning with Sri Lanka’s goal of becoming a $3.7 billion ICT export industry by 2027.
Arab National Bank’s TeleMoney has partnered with Mastercard to enhance cross-border payments through Mastercard Move, enabling transfers to over 160 countries in 150 currencies. The collaboration supports Vision 2030’s digital finance goals amid a 15% rise in remittances, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a fintech leader.
HP has launched its first manufacturing facility in Riyadh and an AI R&D Center in Dhahran to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The dual investment will enhance local production, strengthen supply chains, and accelerate AI innovation across key sectors. It also underscores HP’s commitment to developing Saudi talent, promoting digital inclusion, and positioning the Kingdom as a hub for regional innovation.
Jazz and DynaSys Networks have launched Pakistan’s first city-wide LoRaWAN network in Lahore, marking a major step toward smart city development. The network enables scalable IoT solutions across sectors like agriculture, industry, and urban planning. Fully compliant with PTA’s IoT framework and hosted locally, the system ensures secure, sustainable connectivity as part of Pakistan’s broader digital transformation.