Egypt’s Digital Strategy aims to empower citizens, foster entrepreneurship, and simplify digital government services. The country is expanding its Digital Egypt Innovation Hubs, which focus on digital skills training, freelancing, and innovation. These hubs support startups, offering incubation, funding, and specialized training programs to boost Egypt’s digital economy.
MCCI Dhaka has recommended integrating mobile financial services with Bangladesh’s National Payment Switch, establishing independent credit-scoring agencies, and launching digital banks to address financial inclusion gaps. These measures aim to boost the country’s digital financial services, enhance e-commerce growth, and improve access to loans for underserved groups.
Google Pay is set to launch in Pakistan by mid-March 2025, allowing users to link debit and credit cards to Google Pay for seamless contactless payments. The service, in collaboration with Visa, Mastercard, and local banks, will help boost Pakistan’s growing digital payments sector, initially focusing on basic payments.
The National Lab for Local Content was inaugurated in Muscat to enhance Oman’s local industries and economic sustainability. Discussions focus on boosting local production, creating jobs, and promoting national resources across critical sectors like energy, construction, and health. A National Content Strategy Guide will be launched in March.
Konecta Egypt is set to serve markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas with a $100 million investment. The company plans to hire 3,000 specialists over three years and offer advanced digital services such as AI solutions, digital transformation, and multilingual customer support from New Cairo.
Atlas Cloud Services (ACS) has launched Morocco’s first sovereign cloud marketplace to assist businesses in digital transformation. Announced during the Move to Cloud event, the platform offers tailored solutions, including computing, storage, AI, and IoT, while streamlining cloud management and reducing operational costs for Moroccan enterprises.
FedEx has launched its International Connect Plus (FICP) service in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, designed for e-commerce packages weighing up to 20 kg. The service combines speed and cost-effectiveness, offering day-definite delivery, digital tracking, flexible delivery options, and Picture Proof of Delivery (PPoD), empowering e-tailers to expand cross-border.
Apaya and Telr have formed a strategic partnership to enhance e-commerce in the MENA region. The collaboration integrates Telr’s payment solutions with Apaya’s no-code automation platform, providing merchants with seamless payment experiences, fraud protection, and advanced financial services. This partnership aims to drive digital commerce growth across the region.
Oman has launched new digital services on the Oman Business Platform, including rental contracts, financial reports, and an interactive guide for trade names. These services aim to streamline business processes, promote investment, and support the country’s digital transformation efforts, aligning with Oman’s Vision 2030 for sustainable economic growth.
Jack Jendo, CEO of Brain Digits, introduced the concept of digital twins for personal growth at TEDx in Duhok, Iraq. He demonstrated how AI-powered digital twins, like his own TwinJack, can aid in self-reflection, decision-making, and creativity. Jendo envisions digital twins transforming sectors like healthcare, education, and urban planning.
