Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia leads the region in cross-channel shopping, with 34% of consumers blending online and in-store experiences. Visa’s latest study highlights the Kingdom’s advanced digital infrastructure, strong mobile commerce adoption, and growing preference for secure, seamless payment options.
Jordan’s Sanad app now records 1.3 million monthly users and up to 5 million digital transactions monthly. With 1.8 million digital IDs already active, the government is pushing toward 80% digitisation by 2025 and full digitisation by 2026, targeting 3.5 million active digital IDs.
North Africa is emerging as a cornerstone of MENA’s gaming market, powered by a youthful population, government backing, and investor confidence. With 559 million players across the region and over $56m in recent funding, MENA is becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming ecosystems.
Sri Lanka is accelerating its digital economy strategy with a five-year plan blending global best practices from India, Singapore, Estonia, and others. At the Fintech Summit 2025, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya highlighted AI, seamless citizen services, and a national digital identity system as pillars of the transformation.
Morocco has partnered with tech startup z.systems to digitize tens of thousands of neighborhood shops. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will connect local retailers with brands and distributors through a digital platform, boosting efficiency, competitiveness, and inclusion in the national digital economy.
Kuwait’s Social Security Department is rolling out new electronic registration for non-employed wives and daughters of insured individuals, effective October 8–18, 2025. The process is free, user-friendly, and requires accurate data updates. It also includes vocational support services, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of empowerment and digital transformation.
Morocco has partnered with Z.systems to digitize 50,000 retail stores, equipping shopkeepers with e-wallets, loyalty programs, and direct brand access. Alongside WOLIZ’s deal to expand digital payments, the initiative strengthens financial inclusion and prepares Morocco’s retail sector for the 2030 World Cup.
WOLIZ has partnered with Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade to equip 20,000 nanostores with connected terminals and expand its platform to 90,000 merchants nationwide, boosting digital inclusion, retail resilience, and last-mile entrepreneurship across the country.
Egypt has launched a new wave of digital justice projects, including citizen portals, judicial tools, and government platforms, to modernize the legal system. The reforms aim to simplify access, improve efficiency, and strengthen trust in line with President El-Sisi’s national digital transformation strategy.
Sri Lanka has launched its first National AI Expo 2025, showcasing its digital transformation drive. The government aims to build a $15B digital economy, $5B in digital exports, and a 200,000-strong digital workforce by 2030, while expanding e-services, GovPay, and a national AI platform.