Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Tlemcen University’s “TECH INNOVATORS” event on April 20, 2025, focused on digital entrepreneurship and technological transformation. The event featured conferences and workshops with key speakers, including the Minister of Startups and President of the Algerian Confederation of Citizen Employers. It emphasized the importance of partnerships to support youth innovation.
A delegation from China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC), led by Chairman Yang Jie, visited Pakistan’s Ministry of IT to discuss collaboration on AI-enabled data centers, 5G development, and digital partnerships under the CPEC framework. The meeting emphasized strengthening Pak-China ties and advancing Pakistan’s digital goals.
The Saudi Digital Library, part of the Ministry of Education, offers 169 databases and millions of digital resources to support researchers, students, and academic institutions. With over 2.2 million beneficiaries, it aims to become the largest digital knowledge hub in the Middle East, expanding access to scientific materials and research.
A new study shows that nearly 348 million people in the Arab world use the internet, with 228 million active social media users. TikTok is the most popular social media app in the region, particularly in the Gulf, while Facebook and YouTube lead in North Africa and Egypt, respectively.
Pakistan has launched a digital system for pharmaceutical export certifications, offering the Digital Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (COPP), Free Sale Certificate, GMP Certificate, and No Objection Certificate. This initiative aims to streamline regulatory processes, enhance compliance with international standards, and boost exports, aligning with global best practices.
Oman has launched the Digital Accessibility Guideline to promote inclusive e-services, aligning with Vision 2040. The guideline encourages developers to adopt global best practices, ensuring equitable access to digital government services for all citizens, especially persons with disabilities and the elderly, supporting Oman’s digital transformation and sustainable development goals.
Jordan has activated over 1.6 million digital identities through the Sanad app, integrated with IrisGuard biometrics. This initiative is part of the country’s push for full digitalization of government services, aiming for 3.5 million activated digital IDs this year. However, a World Bank report suggests improvements are needed in security and trust.
Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission Chairman, Nawfal Abu Raghif, met with Huawei Iraq’s General Manager to discuss cooperation on telecom infrastructure, technical training, and data protection. The talks emphasized compliance with Iraq’s digital sovereignty rules and the expansion of telecom services in underserved regions, ensuring equitable service distribution.
The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) has launched a digital one-stop-shop service for investors, developed with EBRD and the Ministry of International Cooperation. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and governance, positioning SCZone as a global logistics and investment hub, supporting Egypt’s digital transformation and economic growth.
Bangladesh’s e-commerce industry is set for significant growth, driven by the government’s “Digital Bangladesh” initiative. However, challenges like cash-on-delivery dominance, low financial literacy, and security concerns need to be addressed. Improving digital payment systems, infrastructure, and security will be key to realizing the sector’s full potential.