Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Smart Bus app, developed by Omani entrepreneur Ahmed bin Hamed al Kharusi, enhances school transportation safety across 14 countries. The app provides real-time bus monitoring, student attendance tracking, and communication tools for schools and parents. It has gained international recognition and aims for further global expansion.
Vianet Communication Ltd. has paid Rs 39.58 crore in RTDF and royalty fees to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, clearing dues from fiscal year FY 2075/76. The payment facilitates the company’s license renewal process and follows NTA’s strict instructions to service providers to clear their outstanding dues.
TESS Payments has partnered with Al Fardan Exchange to enhance digital payments in Qatar. This collaboration aims to improve the efficiency and security of financial transactions, aligning with Qatar’s national vision for digital innovation. The partnership combines fintech innovation with Al Fardan’s industry expertise to advance remittance solutions.
African nations are making substantial progress toward achieving SDG 9, focusing on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. South Africa, Egypt, and Tunisia lead the way with significant investments in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure, driving economic growth, competitiveness, and sustainable development across the continent.
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.