Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan’s Minister of Information, Attaullah Tarar, emphasized stronger media ties with Saudi Arabia during the Saudi Media Forum. He highlighted digital transformation, combating misinformation, and the need for legal frameworks to tackle challenges in the media sector, while calling for stricter policies and awareness campaigns to reduce harmful content.
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Oman is accelerating its digital transformation, with plans to digitize 80% of government services by 2025. The ‘Tahawul’ programme has reached 73% completion, improving efficiency, cybersecurity, and data sharing. The government is introducing new platforms and policies to align with Oman Vision 2040.
Nepal’s E-Governance Board has introduced the ‘E-Governance Blueprint’ to drive digital transformation in government services. The blueprint focuses on improving efficiency, data security, and promoting digital literacy, aiming to create a paperless government and enhance cross-border digital interactions.
Morocco has launched a digital child health record project aimed at improving preventive healthcare, with a focus on neurodevelopmental disorders. The initiative aligns with the “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy and aims to enhance healthcare accessibility, improve vaccination tracking, and ensure better health monitoring for children.
Orange Jordan and the Jordan Press Foundation/Al Rai have signed a strategic partnership to enhance digital transformation in the media sector. This collaboration will focus on developing digital infrastructure, improving technology in journalism, and leveraging AI to stay ahead in the fast-evolving media landscape.
Egypt’s financial inclusion rate reached 74.8% by the end of 2024, with 52 million citizens using transaction accounts. This growth is attributed to efforts in empowering women, youth, and entrepreneurs with accessible financial services. It aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and aims to promote economic empowerment and digital banking.
Iraq’s Economic Ministerial Council, chaired by Fuad Hussein, discussed key topics, including progress on the Grand Faw Port project, the expansion of digital payments in Iraq, and strategies to address the parallel economy. The council also reviewed the status of livestock health amid a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
The Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) has signed a long-term partnership with Arabsat to expand the global reach of Saudi TV channels. The collaboration, which includes broadcasting via key Arabsat satellites, aims to enhance Saudi media’s visibility, promote Saudi culture, and offer high-quality content to viewers globally.
Invest Qatar has partnered with Naseej for Technology to enhance Qatar’s digital transformation efforts. The collaboration focuses on human capital development, AI, data analytics, and cultural institution digital platforms. Naseej will establish a presence in Qatar, contributing to innovation, sustainable growth, and the country’s expanding digital economy.
Jordan’s upcoming Parliamentary elections will accept digital identity cards through the Sanad application, simplifying the voting process and encouraging greater participation. The IEC is digitalizing the election process to ensure transparency and speed, in line with the country’s National Digital Transformation Strategy.