Sri Lanka is advancing its digital transformation to enhance competitiveness and revitalize the economy. The government has launched the “GovPay” initiative to digitize payments and reduce inefficiencies. With international support, Sri Lanka aims to achieve a $15 billion digital economy, investing in infrastructure and promoting innovation across sectors.
Absher, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior platform, processed over 430 million transactions in 2024, including ID renewals, passport services, residency permits, and vehicle-related operations. It also facilitated over 26 million transactions on its business portal, supporting digital transformation and enhancing government service delivery across the country.
Mehwish Salman Ali, a Pakistani tech entrepreneur, represented Pakistan at the International Digital Cooperation Forum in Jordan, highlighting AI’s potential for economic growth and foreign investment. Ali emphasized the need for AI-friendly policies and discussed strategies for attracting investment, particularly in the Middle East, to help grow Pakistan’s tech sector.
JazzCash customers can now link their debit cards to Google Wallet, enabling secure, seamless tap-to-pay transactions. This integration enhances JazzCash’s payment options, offering convenience and security for millions of Pakistanis. Google Wallet’s tokenization technology ensures secure transactions, while users can also protect their information in case of theft or loss.
Pakistan is working to officially recognize e-sports as a sport, developing a structured framework to support its growth. Key initiatives include establishing gaming arenas, offering specialized internet packages, and fostering university involvement. Committees will be formed to drive policy development, aiming to nurture talent and enhance competitive gaming opportunities.
Visa’s Women SMB Digitalization Index for Oman highlights the challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs. The findings show strong adoption of AI but gaps in product innovation and customer acquisition. Visa remains committed to supporting women with tools and mentorship to foster growth and digital transformation in Oman.
Globe has expanded its GoRoam service to China, Turkey, and Oman, providing affordable and seamless mobile data roaming in 17 countries. Travelers can access high-speed internet at local rates, with plans starting as low as ₱23 per day, making international travel more convenient and cost-effective for Filipino users.
Omantel’s market share dropped by five percentage points in 2024 to 48% of Oman’s telecom market, leading to a 3% decrease in net profit, which amounted to $795 million. Competitors such as Ooredoo, Vodafone, and Awasr gained ground, impacting Omantel’s position in the country’s telecom sector.
Visa has partnered with Fonepay to introduce Scan to Pay in Nepal, allowing international travelers to make secure payments at over 1.5 million merchants using their Visa cards via Fonepay’s QR code system. This collaboration enhances the digital payment experience for tourists and supports financial inclusion in Nepal.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) will grant 5G permissions to telecom companies within a week of their application submission. NTA confirmed that the necessary 21 MHz frequency could be provided. Currently, Nepal Telecom has tested 5G, while Ncell has delayed testing due to infrastructure investment concerns.
