Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Nepal Telecom is migrating user data to a new SMSC system on January 13–14, which may temporarily disrupt SMS services overnight. The upgrade is intended to improve reliability, speed, and security of text messaging across the network, strengthening the core infrastructure that handles message storage and delivery nationwide.
Ncell has written to Nepal’s Prime Minister warning that inconsistent telecom policies and unequal treatment are undermining investor confidence. The company cites discriminatory licence terms, high costs, and regulatory uncertainty, urging policy reform to ensure fair treatment, protect digital services, and sustain long-term investment in Nepal’s telecom sector.
Morocco has climbed 14 places in the 2025 Government AI Readiness Index and launched the Jazari Institutes and Jazari Root to build a national AI ecosystem. The initiative strengthens technological sovereignty, supports inclusive development, and positions Morocco as a leading AI hub across Africa and the Global South.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Oil has launched six digital transformation projects under the Masar initiative to modernise operations, strengthen governance, and integrate data across the sector. The programme introduces unified digital systems for performance management, finance, training, legal affairs, and technical oversight, positioning the oil industry for future readiness.
Halal Games has launched in Egypt as a values-driven studio building original PC games without gambling mechanics or explicit content. With a small distributed team, the developer is working on a horror title focused on immersive storytelling, aiming to prove that ethical design and high-quality gameplay can coexist.
Zain Great Idea brought 11 startups from six markets to Silicon Valley for an intensive global acceleration journey. Founders engaged with leading tech giants, refined business fundamentals, strengthened investment readiness, and pitched to global investors, reinforcing Zain’s role as a regional ecosystem builder for innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
ABC Labs has been named among Global Finance’s World’s Best Financial Innovation Labs for the fourth time. The recognition reflects Bank ABC’s leadership in AI, automation, digital onboarding, and tokenised assets, delivering measurable gains in productivity, customer experience, and time-to-market across its regional and global operations.
Egypt has partnered with 30 technology firms under the Digilians initiative to train 5,000 students annually in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and software development. The programme combines academic learning with practical experience and is backed by multi-billion-pound public investment to strengthen the country’s digital workforce.
Omantel has invested over RO 500 million in digital infrastructure over six years, expanding from a telecom operator into a regional technology group. The company’s 5G leadership, submarine cable connectivity, and national data centres are positioning Oman as a regional digital hub and strengthening its digital sovereignty.
Azercell has introduced new roaming internet packages offering flexible data options for international travellers. With bundles ranging from 500 MB to 10 GB, the plans provide cost-efficient, short- and long-term connectivity across more than 100 countries, supporting uninterrupted personal and professional communication abroad.