Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia is reshaping Vision 2030 to prioritize technology, digital infrastructure, and advanced industries, shifting investment away from large construction projects toward innovation-driven sectors. The strategy focuses on sustainable economic diversification, workforce development, and strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for technology and emerging industries.
Pakistan plans to auction 600 MHz spectrum next month to enhance mobile connectivity and support digital economy growth. The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to promote AI adoption, expand digital inclusion, strengthen infrastructure, and accelerate technology-driven economic transformation across industries.
Pakistan approves telecom amendment bill to accelerate internet and mobile network expansion, simplifying Right of Way access, strengthening governance of NTC under the SOEs framework and enhancing regulatory oversight to support nationwide digital infrastructure growth.
Qatar’s MCIT and Google Cloud host AI and digital transformation workshops to help SMEs adopt modern technologies, improve productivity and strengthen competitiveness, supporting the country’s Digital Agenda 2030 and the development of an innovation-driven business ecosystem.
Pakistan’s telecom committee recommends amendments to the Telecommunication Re-organisation Act, introducing streamlined Right of Way access, governance reforms for NTC under the SOEs framework, and clearer approval timelines to accelerate infrastructure deployment. The Electronic Transactions Amendment Bill was deferred pending political consensus.
The amendment represents a notable policy shift, positioning Bangladesh toward a governance model that prioritizes transparency, regulatory accountability, and the protection of digital connectivity as a foundation for economic and social development in the digital age.
Formally anchored in Presidential Decree No. 25-350 issued on December 30, 2025, the national data governance framework is expected to improve institutional coordination, support evidence-based decision-making, and provide greater regulatory clarity for economic stakeholders as data becomes increasingly central to digital transformation and economic competitiveness.
HyperPay has secured National Payment Gateway certification from Saudi Arabia’s central bank, enabling compliant integration with national payment infrastructure and supporting the expansion of secure digital payments and e-commerce under Vision 2030 initiatives.
Jordan has established a national inter-agency framework led by the TRC to protect minors from digital risks through coordinated regulation, education, and cybersecurity initiatives, promoting responsible digital citizenship while strengthening online safety across the country.
UNDP Egypt and GSMA have launched an AI capacity-building programme for policymakers to strengthen governance frameworks, promote responsible AI adoption, and support digital transformation through regional collaboration and practical policy tools aligned with global best practices.