Sri Lanka’s ‘GovPay’ digital platform, launching on February 7, will streamline government payments by allowing citizens to pay for services via fintech apps or online banking. Initially integrating 16 institutions, the platform aims for full implementation by April 2025, enhancing efficiency in government revenue collection.
LEAP 2025 in Riyadh will unveil groundbreaking innovations at its inaugural Tech Arena, featuring robotics, AI, healthcare technologies, and more. Over 170,000 visitors will experience live demos and interactive showcases. The event highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation and its goal to become a global tech hub.
Flowwow and Admitad have released a report on the MENA e-commerce and gifting markets, showing significant growth in 2024. The UAE and Saudi Arabia led the region in online orders, with a rise in average order values. The gifting market, especially flowers, saw remarkable growth, with Flowwow leading the surge.
The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language has launched the Arabic Language Innovation Accelerator to support startups and entrepreneurs. The program will help enhance digital Arabic content, providing training, mentorship, and access to a network of investors. Applications are open until February 5, with a launch on April 7.
Orange Jordan successfully concluded its intensive online training program at the Orange Digital Centers, providing participants with essential digital, entrepreneurial, and personal skills. The four-week program covered topics such as AI, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and freelancing, empowering participants to adapt to the digital age and enhance career opportunities.
Vodafone Egypt has partnered with Yango Play, an all-in-one entertainment app offering movies, series, music, and games. This collaboration strengthens Vodafone’s position in the digital entertainment market, providing customers with exclusive content, seamless user experiences, and a diverse content library catering to various interests across Egypt and MENA.
WebEngage has partnered with Abdul Latif Jameel Electronics to enhance customer engagement in Saudi Arabia’s electronics sector. By integrating WebEngage’s AI-powered platform, ALJ Electronics aims to offer personalized customer experiences across all touchpoints, improve retention, and optimize omnichannel strategies to cater to the growing expectations of digitally savvy consumers.
Morocco is positioning itself as a leader in tourism innovation, aiming to become Africa’s tech hub for the sector. In 2024, the country welcomed 17.4 million tourists and launched initiatives to foster digital transformation. With a strong focus on investment and sustainability, Morocco is driving growth in Africa’s tourism landscape.
The MENA region’s e-commerce and gifting markets saw substantial growth in 2024, reaching a $1.8 billion valuation. Key drivers include increased online orders in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, rising mobile commerce, and the expansion of the gifting sector. The MENA market is expected to continue thriving through 2025.
Orange Egypt has partnered with the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation to enhance Cairo International Airport’s digital services. The collaboration includes free Wi-Fi, charging stations, AI-powered interactive screens, and kiosks. These efforts aim to improve the traveler experience and position Cairo as a regional airport hub.
