Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Morocco’s new digital economy strategy aims to create 240 jobs by 2030, enhance digital training for 100,000 youth annually, and invest 11 billion dirhams to boost the nation’s GDP and modernize infrastructure. The plan includes expanding high-speed internet and 5G access across the country.
At UNGA 79, the UNDP and Egypt co-hosted an event promoting digital advancement for SDGs in the Arab States. Key initiatives include a new World Bank report, a skills academy, and partnerships to enhance digital inclusion and climate resilience.
Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has launched a new system to simplify licensing and permit processes for telecommunications services. This initiative, part of Oman’s digital transformation efforts, enhances the efficiency of service provision and supports stakeholders across the industry.
Pakistan’s Telecommunications Authority has introduced the WLAN 2024 Framework, allowing the use of unlicensed frequency bands to enhance internet connectivity. The policy aims to boost innovation, support smaller ISPs, and expand rural internet access, though challenges in interference management and equipment approval remain.
Bahrain has advanced to 18th globally in the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index, thanks to its strengthened telecommunications infrastructure. The Kingdom also ranked 10th in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index, marking significant progress in its digital transformation journey.
Ali Al-Moayyed of Iraq’s CMC invited ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin to Iraq to discuss enhancing Iraq’s digital infrastructure. Their talks, aimed at closing Iraq’s digital divide and fostering innovation, highlighted international cooperation as key to integrating Iraq into the global digital economy.
At the UN’s Summit of the Future Action Days, Egypt’s Minister Amr Talaat highlighted Egypt’s digital transformation, focusing on accessible government services and improving rural internet connectivity. The “Decent Life” initiative will impact over 58 million Egyptians, promoting digital skills and fostering inclusive growth.
The ITU Digital Skills Forum in Bahrain concluded successfully, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to leading digital skill development. The event gathered global experts to discuss digital transformation and skill enhancement, emphasizing Bahrain’s role in shaping an inclusive digital future.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has conducted raids on several companies in Dhofar Governorate for operating postal services without the necessary licenses, as part of its enforcement of Oman’s postal service regulations.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has opened the 6GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi to improve internet access in Nigeria. This initiative, announced in Lagos, aims to address capacity issues with current Wi-Fi bands and support high-speed, advanced applications.