Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt’s mobile wallet transactions hit EGP 943.4bn in Q2 2025, up 72% year-on-year, with 717.7 million transactions and 46.3 million active wallets. Vodafone Cash led the market with 81% of transaction value. The NTRA has reinforced security and enabled international remittances to further boost adoption.
The UAE has launched a first-of-its-kind YouTube Academy in collaboration with Creators HQ to support emerging creators with tools, resources, and mentorship. The initiative aims to attract 10,000 influencers to the Emirates, building a content-driven economy and reinforcing the region’s role in the global creator ecosystem.
Pakistan’s SAPM on Digital Media Fahd Haroon met Saudi envoy Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki to discuss cooperation on Vision 2030, digital media, and innovation. Both sides reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration in digital transformation and media strategies.
Kazakhstan is reaping early benefits from its 2024 digitization plan, with blockchain saving $24M, AI centers launched, and 95% internet penetration. Meanwhile, Qatar Development Bank has integrated IBM’s Cloud Pak, Instana, and Turbonomic to modernize operations, improve efficiency, and prepare for CBDC and fintech-driven transformation.
Tamkeen, Bahrain’s Labor Fund, is dedicated to strengthening the private sector as the driver of national growth. Through programs in entrepreneurship, workforce skills, and economic participation, it supports diversification, competitiveness, and innovation, ensuring sustainable opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.
Kalaam Telecom Group’s KCS and Riedel Networks have extended their partnership for three years to strengthen connectivity for motorsport events and enterprises across MENA. Anchored by a Bahrain hub and Kalaam’s KNOT cable system, the collaboration will expand infrastructure, add interconnection points, and introduce new services for regional and global customers.
Turkcell’s TV+ has partnered with Samsung to integrate its streaming app into Samsung smart TVs and monitors, offering users up to 12 months of free subscription. The collaboration, announced at IFA 2025, enhances access to 4K content and strengthens both companies’ roles in shaping digital home entertainment.
Kazakhstan is pushing ahead with AI, blockchain, and IoT to digitize its economy, while Qatar Development Bank’s IBM-powered overhaul reflects the Gulf nation’s financial digitization drive. From national AI strategies to CBDC pilots, both countries are reshaping governance, finance, and services with emerging technologies to lead regional digital innovation.
At COMEX 2025, Oman reinforced digital transformation as the cornerstone of Vision 2040, driving innovation across industries. With AI, Digital Twins, blockchain, and robotics reshaping operations, the Sultanate is shifting toward a knowledge-based economy, positioning itself as a regional hub for technology, sustainability, and futuristic infrastructure.
South Korea and Egypt are expanding education cooperation through a $15 million digital project across 54 schools, focusing on ICT curricula, teacher training, and infrastructure. Alongside this, Korean language demand is rising in Egypt, with new institutes and plans for integration into the national curriculum.