Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Nokia and Zain KSA have partnered to introduce the first 4G/5G femtocell service in Saudi Arabia and the MEA region. The solution, featuring Nokia’s Smart Nodes, will enhance indoor connectivity and optimize Zain KSA’s B2B portfolio, improving customer experience and increasing network availability for enterprise customers.
Palm Hills has partnered with ievents, Tayarah, and DigiSay Group to launch the Content Player Awards (CPA), a groundbreaking initiative celebrating the creator economy. The event will feature interactive workshops at Badya, followed by a grand awards ceremony. CPA aims to empower content creators and foster innovation in the Arab world.
Google Pay is set to launch in Pakistan by March 2025, allowing users to link debit and credit cards for contactless payments through the Google Wallet app. The service will initially focus on basic payments, with advanced features like loyalty cards and transport passes to follow in future phases.
HUTCH Sri Lanka has partnered with Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud to modernize its operations, improve customer service, and explore data monetization. The integration has led to a 60% reduction in data processing times and a 30% reduction in operational expenses, while enabling enhanced analytics and customer experience capabilities.
Africa’s gaming industry is set to reach $1 billion in revenue in 2024, with mobile gaming driving nearly 90% of the market. South Africa leads, while Nigeria shows the most growth. The region also sees a rise in game studios, particularly in West, Southern, and East Africa.
Taheel, in partnership with Telecom Egypt, has launched a training program focused on English proficiency and basic computer skills for persons with disabilities (PwD). The initiative aims to equip 500 participants with skills to help them secure jobs, enhancing their competitiveness and supporting their integration into the workforce.
Thunes has integrated PayPal’s Hyperwallet into its Direct Global Network, enabling real-time fund transfers to over 450 million mobile wallets and bank accounts across six APAC countries. This partnership enhances Hyperwallet’s ability to support cross-border payments through Thunes’ extensive network and payment capabilities.
The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) successfully launched MBZ-SAT, the region’s most advanced satellite. Developed by Emirati engineers, the satellite boasts cutting-edge technology for Earth observation. This achievement marks a significant step in the UAE’s space exploration goals and its growing capabilities in global space technology.
Lenovo and Alat, a Saudi PIF company, have completed a $2 billion investment deal, establishing a regional headquarters and sustainable manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. This partnership will enhance Lenovo’s presence in the Middle East and Africa, support job creation, and align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Jordan’s ICT market is projected to grow from $3.73 billion in 2025 to $5.10 billion by 2030, driven by digitalisation, 5G adoption, and advancements in technologies like AI and robotics. Investments in cloud infrastructure and government initiatives are also fueling growth, especially in the e-commerce sector.