Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Qist Bazaar, a Karachi-based fintech, has raised $3.2 million in Series A funding to expand its BNPL services across Pakistan. The startup focuses on making essential goods accessible to the underbanked, enhancing both product offerings and technological infrastructure.
Positive Technologies conducted cybersecurity workshops in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE, focusing on enhancing financial sector defenses. The training addressed cyberthreat evolution, vulnerabilities in banking systems, and strategies to prevent data leaks and financial losses.
Saudi Arabia plans to expand data center capacity to 64MW, with an investment between SAR 1.95 billion and SAR 2.5 billion, through a partnership between MIS and BSF Capital. This initiative supports the kingdom’s goal to boost its tech sector.
Mideast Communication Systems (MCS) partners with Nokia to enhance Egypt’s digital transformation. This strategic collaboration aims to provide advanced technology solutions across various sectors, supporting the country’s digital development goals.
Kaspersky has launched an Industrial Control Systems Security Assessment service in Saudi Arabia, enhancing cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. The service identifies vulnerabilities across ICS components, supporting Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision for a secure industrial sector.
The Arewa Tech Fest introduces a $50 million Arewa Tech Fund to support innovation in Northern Nigeria. This initiative aims to empower young entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth by providing necessary capital, amidst a global downturn in tech investments.
Sabre Corporation collaborates with Oman’s government to enhance digital transformation in travel management. This partnership, involving training sessions on advanced technological tools, aims to improve efficiency and automate processes within Oman’s travel sectors, aligning with the nation’s strategic goals.
The third round of Oman’s National Digital Economy Programme was launched in Buraimi, aiming to enhance digital infrastructure under Oman Vision 2040. This initiative involves key sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and e-commerce, promoting comprehensive digital transformation across all governorates.
The Emirates Publishers Association has partnered with Network International to offer digital payment solutions to UAE publishers, enhancing sales processes and reducing costs. This strategic alliance will provide secure payment processing and support the growth and sustainability of the local publishing 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.