Sri Lanka hosted the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Executive Committee Meeting 2025, bringing together representatives from 15 countries to discuss regional ICT collaboration and innovation. The event highlighted Sri Lanka’s growing role in digital transformation, with a focus on e-governance, smart infrastructure, and cross-border innovation.
Prepaid mobile users in Qatar are urging authorities to extend credit validity periods and introduce more flexible packages, citing frustration over the current short validity of prepaid balances. Industry experts and customers alike are calling for changes to improve customer satisfaction and align services with modern usage patterns.
The second SaudiFood Manufacturing show, set for April 13-15 in Riyadh, will spotlight industry innovation, sustainability, and emerging business models in the Kingdom’s food sector. With over 550 international brands and thought leaders, the event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, driving growth and local food production.
Telr has partnered with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) to enhance payment services and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal for a cashless economy. This collaboration provides merchants with advanced payment solutions, including BNPL and digital invoicing, while improving transaction speed, security, and compliance with local regulations.
Saudi Awwal Bank and United Pharmaceuticals have completed Saudi Arabia’s first digital Islamic supply chain finance transaction. The initiative streamlines payments and enhances working capital management for suppliers through a Shariah-compliant, automated platform. This marks a significant step in integrating Islamic finance and digital transformation in the Kingdom.
Pakistan is exploring the use of excess electricity to power Bitcoin mining and AI data centres, leveraging its surplus energy while tapping into the growing tech economy. The initiative aims to optimize underutilized power generation, boost digital infrastructure, and create jobs through blockchain and AI technology.
Pakistan is preparing for a major spectrum auction to enhance mobile broadband capacity and support next-gen services. With mobile data consumption rising, the government plans to auction 567 MHz of spectrum. The auction aims to promote investment, improve network coverage, and ensure long-term telecom sector sustainability.
SalamAir has launched a new WhatsApp service that enables passengers to receive tickets and boarding passes directly via the messaging app. This digital innovation is part of the airline’s broader strategy to enhance customer experience and streamline the booking-to-boarding process, with more features planned for the future.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has resolved the 2100 MHz payment issue with Ncell, allowing the company to resume its expansion and network upgrades. This facilitation clears the way for Ncell to continue infrastructure development, including equipment imports and tower installations, vital for its role in Nepal’s digital growth.
PayTic, a Moroccan fintech startup, has secured $4 million in funding to enhance its payment automation solutions and expand into North and Sub-Saharan African markets. The investment will help the company address the growing demand for efficient payment processing in Africa’s rapidly expanding digital payments economy.
