Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Tawakkalna app, developed by SDAIA, topped Saudi Arabia’s Digital Experience Maturity Index for 2024 with a 91.29% rating. Recognized for integrating government services and enhancing user satisfaction, it supports over 32 million users globally, affirming Saudi Arabia’s leadership in digital transformation and artificial intelligence utilization.
The Spain Oman Private Equity Fund (SOPEF) is investing up to €40 million in Making Science Marketing & AdTech, aiming to boost its digital marketing capabilities. This strategic investment fosters Spanish-Omani economic ties and supports Making Science’s expansion into the Middle East, enhancing its global competitiveness.
RakBank has partnered with Bitpanda Technology Solutions to launch a platform allowing UAE residents to manage digital assets efficiently. Pending regulatory approval, this collaboration aims to transform the UAE’s digital financial landscape, providing RakBank customers with access to a wide range of digital assets and fostering sector growth.
The ‘Digital Sharjah’ platform, launched in 2021 by the Sharjah Digital Department, has processed over 952,000 transactions and attracted more than 95,000 users. It offers over 60 digital services and has seen significant growth in user engagement and downloads, demonstrating its impact on digital transformation in Sharjah.
Du, also known as Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has received licences from the UAE Central Bank to offer digital financial services. This move positions Du at the forefront of the fintech sector, supporting the UAE’s vision for innovation and financial inclusion, and enabling the company to provide secure, customer-centric financial solutions.
The Saudi Digital Government Authority announced that its Digital Experience Maturity Index for 2024 rated at an advanced 85.04%. Evaluating 39 platforms, the index aims to enhance user satisfaction and digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, with top platforms like Tawakkalna achieving a high score of 91.29%.
Pakistan has launched four Special Technology Zones in Punjab, projected to generate $350 million in annual tech exports and create jobs for 50,000 professionals. These zones, focusing on key technology sectors, are part of a broader initiative to boost the economy amidst ongoing internet disruptions threatening significant financial losses.
Digital Rights Nepal has released two analysis papers scrutinizing Nepal’s cyber security policies. The papers critically assess the National Cyber Security Policy and the proposed National Internet Gateway, highlighting potential risks to human rights, internet freedom, and privacy due to increased surveillance and governmental control over digital content.
Mustapha Meloui, President of the Moroccan Observatory for Digital Sovereignty, highlighted Morocco’s strides toward becoming a leading “Digital Nation” in Africa, backed by strong ICT metrics and national programs. The upcoming “Maroc Digital 2030” strategy aims to position Morocco as a premier digital hub on the continent.
The UNESCO MIL Youth Hackathon highlighted the achievements of Jordan’s Youth Media Literacy Ambassadors Program (YMLAP), which won for its impactful community-based projects. This initiative empowers Jordanian youth to combat misinformation and promote media literacy, fostering a more informed and resilient society in the digital age.