Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Jordan’s mobile telecom companies have engaged in discussions with relevant authorities regarding potential adjustments to service prices. After further studies, the price changes will be implemented according to each company’s business model and operational costs. Telecom companies had planned to raise prices on December 17, 2024, but this decision is now under review.
Egypt’s Minister of Communications, Amr Talaat, met with World Bank Vice President Sangboo Kim to discuss expanding collaboration on digital transformation, infrastructure, and skills development. The partnership aims to enhance Egypt’s digital strategy, focusing on rural internet access, government services, and boosting youth employment through digital literacy.
Egypt has seen a remarkable 181% increase in financial inclusion over the past eight years, with 71.5% of eligible citizens gaining access to banking services. Key initiatives, including targeted events and programs for underserved groups, have contributed to this growth, fostering economic development and access to financial services across the nation.
A new Health and Wellness Digital Toolkit has been launched to improve the well-being and productivity of the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) workforce in Bangladesh. This initiative, led by AYAT Education and key partners, offers mobile access to health resources and aims to foster a healthier, more sustainable workforce.
The Bangladesh government has proposed a new telecommunications act, aiming to regulate social media, online platforms, and internet-based services. The draft introduces penalties, mobile court enforcement, and a regulatory sandbox for innovation. Industry experts express concerns about its impact on innovation and small businesses, particularly in the broadband sector.
stc Bahrain has partnered with Huawei to launch the fourth edition of their Technical Capacity Program, aimed at enhancing ICT skills in Bahrain. The program will cover key areas such as networking, cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing, supporting Bahrain’s digital transformation and empowering local talent to drive innovation and economic growth.
Tradeling Holding has acquired Axiom Telecom’s MENA distribution operations, a move expected to drive growth in the region’s B2B e-commerce landscape. With anticipated annual revenues exceeding AED2 billion, the acquisition strengthens Tradeling’s position as a key player in the Middle East’s technology and distribution sectors.
ZetaChain has partnered with stc Bahrain to advance blockchain adoption in the Middle East. As a key validator in the ZetaChain ecosystem, stc Bahrain aims to enhance cross-chain integration and support the growth of decentralized Web3 applications. The collaboration highlights the region’s commitment to driving blockchain innovation.
Abu Dhabi hosted a workshop on sustainable investment in digital transformation, organized by the League of Arab States and the Arab Federation for Digital Economy. The event focused on digital investment, fostering private partnerships, and supporting digital development in the Arab region. The 16th meeting of the Arab Committee for Sustainable Development was also held alongside.
Hicham Sifer, Chairman of Algeria’s Legal and Administrative Affairs Committee, discussed Algeria’s efforts in digitization and AI during the Internet Governance Forum 2024 in Riyadh. He highlighted the country’s infrastructure development and legislative efforts, including AI-related laws, to foster digital growth and a thriving tech economy.