Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Mastercard and foodpanda have partnered to boost digital payment adoption in Pakistan, helping the country transition to a cashless economy. The collaboration introduces exclusive discounts for Mastercard users and launches the Payment Switch initiative to convert cash-on-delivery customers to online payments, accelerating financial inclusion and growth in Pakistan’s digital economy.
Investcorp has expanded its reach by launching the Investcorp Wealth app, now available to all qualified investors. The app offers real-time access to portfolios, new investment opportunities, and key reports, making private market investing more accessible. This initiative supports Investcorp’s goal of advancing digital solutions for global investors.
Instagram has launched ‘Edits’, a free mobile app designed for content creators to edit up to 10-minute videos. The app offers a range of features, including customizable camera settings, AI-powered templates, video overlays, and audio enhancement tools. It’s currently available for pre-order on iOS, with an official launch on March 13.
Bahrain’s Housing Ministry saw increased use of its digital services in 2024, with over 260,000 website visits and thousands of online requests processed. The introduction of 12 new electronic services and a remote customer service platform reflects the country’s commitment to advancing digital transformation and improving citizen service delivery.
Abu Dhabi has approved a AED 13 billion ($3.54 billion) digital strategy for 2025-2027, aiming to fully integrate AI into all government services by 2027. The strategy focuses on digitizing 100% of processes, adopting sovereign cloud computing, and boosting GDP by AED 24 billion while creating 5,000 jobs.
Sri Lanka is progressing with its SL-UDI project, procuring biometric hardware to transition national IDs to digital formats. The project, supported by India and international donors, will improve government services and reduce corruption. It includes biometric data collection, secure digital payments, and integration with government institutions.
The Ministry of Education has launched the first phase of its digital fingerprint system for employee attendance, using facial recognition and GPS technology. This system simplifies attendance tracking, boosts transparency, and enhances efficiency. The second phase will extend the system to all employees, including school administrations.
Jazz has expanded its Digital Pakistan Fellowship Programme to LUMS, empowering students to lead conversations on technology and innovation. This initiative will help raise awareness of technology’s role in Pakistan’s development and contribute to a digital transformation. The programme also offers opportunities for tech journalism across various platforms.
Tawakkalna continues to improve digital services for Saudi citizens, residents, and visitors by offering access to over 600 e-government services. The app simplifies daily tasks and supports government entities with technical integration. Its ongoing updates align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for enhanced digital government services.
beIN SPORTS launches a new podcast series, Tales, Tears & Trophies, hosted by Mikael Silvestre. The six-part series features exclusive interviews with football stars like Joe Hart, Ashley Cole, and Luis Garcia, providing unique insights into their careers and personal journeys at the highest level of professional football.