Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Nepal recorded Rs 98.43 trillion in electronic transactions in FY 2024/25, a 71% jump from the previous year. RTGS dominated with Rs 74.9 trillion, while mobile banking, QR codes, and e-commerce payments also grew, reflecting strong momentum toward a cashless economy.
Jordan will pilot its first e-passport on September 1, offering biometric security, ICAO recognition, and online applications. The launch is part of a broader digital transformation strategy that includes new e-services and exploration of a central bank digital currency.
Egypt’s e-commerce market hit $10.2B in 2025 and is forecast to reach $19.3B by 2030. With 96M internet users, 72% of sales via mobile, and platforms like Rabbit and Talabat Mart scaling regionally, local expertise and digital fluency are driving Egypt’s transformation into a regional e-commerce powerhouse.
Africa’s content creation market is now worth $5.1B, projected to reach $30B by 2032. With 385M social media users and a young population, creators face monetization challenges but are leveraging YouTube, Facebook, and local platforms to grow. Rising youth-driven entrepreneurship positions Africa as a global creator economy hub.
Kuwait Airways and stc Kuwait have signed a cooperation protocol to integrate digital services across telecom and aviation. The agreement covers joint customer offerings, tech collaborations with Oracle, marketing initiatives, and CSR projects, aiming to enhance service quality and regional leadership.
Saudi Arabia has launched Humain Chat, its first Arabic AI app powered by the ALLAM 34B model built locally by Saudi experts. Available on mobile and web, the culturally attuned platform serves 350 million Arabic speakers worldwide, marking a milestone in the Kingdom’s ambition to lead AI innovation.
Jordanian game developer Nour Khrais has launched 962.Games, an online directory showcasing studios, indie developers, and academic programs in gaming. The platform aims to connect industry and education, attract investment, and elevate Jordan’s gaming sector on the global stage while fostering collaboration and visibility.
Kammelna’s $53M funding marks a major boost for Saudi Arabia’s gaming ambitions. With over 6M downloads and 1M monthly users, the studio will now scale its culturally inspired portfolio under Vision 2030, as Impact46 positions it as a flagship for Saudi talent, digital culture, and global expansion.
Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar are blocking or moving to restrict Roblox over concerns about harmful content, child exploitation risks, unsafe purchases, and addiction. Parents and activists say the platform exposes children to online abuse, raising pressure on regulators to tighten digital protections.
Djezzy has launched the 2025 Open Innovation Challenge “Impact Challenge” with the Algeria Startup Challenge to support inclusive digital solutions. Startups and innovators can win funding, mentorship, and ecosystem access for projects that expand digital access, create jobs, or power smarter cities.