Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Zain highlighted its 5G and AI advancements at the MBBF 2024 in Istanbul, showcasing its leadership in digital innovation. The company demonstrated its AI-powered network optimization and its participation in the 5G-AxAI program, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing network performance and customer experience in Kuwait.
Grameenphone, in partnership with Plan International Bangladesh and Telenor, hosted an event to highlight the impact of their “Safe Digital Space for Girls and Youth (SDSGY)” project. The initiative has empowered 2.9 million individuals, especially women, by providing digital skills and online safety awareness, bridging the digital divide for marginalized communities.
Qara, an Egyptian supply chain technology startup, has secured $2.6 million in funding to expand into Saudi Arabia. The platform ensures product authentication and traceability, benefiting over 50,000 users across multiple countries. This expansion aligns with Vision 2030 and highlights Qara’s role in driving innovation in the region.
Pakistan is set to launch 5G services in June 2025, following a detailed rollout schedule presented by the Ministry of IT and Telecom. The plan includes spectrum auctions and policy reforms leading up to the service launch. This marks a key step in Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Oracle’s first CloudWorld Tour event in Saudi Arabia marks a key milestone in its commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s AI economy. The event celebrated 30 years of Oracle’s involvement in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, featuring keynotes, AI demonstrations, and showcasing Oracle’s cloud innovations that align with Vision 2030.
Libya’s Telecommunications Holding Company and Italian Post have agreed to enhance Libyan postal services, focusing on postal, logistical, and digital financial services, and training personnel. An executive cooperation agreement will establish joint working teams for initiatives and projects.
Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait-Egypt has partnered with Visa to enhance digital payment solutions in Egypt. The strategic agreement will introduce new products, focusing on innovation and security to cater to diverse customer needs. The partnership aims to boost Egypt’s digital transformation and promote the adoption of electronic payments.
Jordanian banks hired 2,613 new employees in 2024, half recent graduates, but face a skills mismatch amid digital transformation. The ABJ calls for education reforms and stronger academia-industry partnerships to equip graduates with skills in AI, cybersecurity, and fintech to meet evolving banking demands.
HUTCH Sri Lanka partners with the Ministry of Education to donate 100 electric bicycles to schoolchildren in rural areas, aiming to improve transportation access and promote sustainable mobility solutions. This initiative highlights HUTCH’s commitment to enhancing education and community development across Sri Lanka.
Fonepay hosted the 21st Asian Payment Network Forum in Kathmandu, where delegates from 14 countries discussed cross-border payment initiatives and digital financial cooperation. The event featured high-level meetings, the APN AGM, and panel discussions on fraud risk, regional integration, and regulatory alignment, highlighting the need for secure digital payment systems.