Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
In 2023, Oman managed over 460 cybersecurity incidents and resolved 241 cybercrime cases. The country processed over 30 million electronic transactions and deployed 4,566 5G stations. Investments in AI and space technology reached RO31.2 million and US$155 million, respectively, showcasing Oman’s commitment to digital transformation and innovation.
Jordan Source participated in the inaugural EU-Jordan Business Forum, promoting Jordan’s ICT sector and fostering international connections. Minister Ahmad Hanandeh highlighted Jordan’s achievements and the role of Jordan Source in bridging global corporations with the local market. The event facilitated discussions on trade, investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
Orange Jordan’s 5G Agriculture Bootcamp trained 18 participants in adopting new technologies for sustainable farming. The program aims to enhance productivity, combat challenges like desert locusts, and promote economic growth. Graduates will lead innovations in agriculture, supported by AI and 5G, fostering long-term development in Jordan.
Trend Micro blocked over eight million cyber threats in Bahrain in 2023, including 1.9 million email threats and 1.1 million malicious URLs. Globally, they thwarted 161 billion threats, a 10% increase year-on-year, highlighting the need for proactive cybersecurity measures in an evolving threat landscape.
Saudi Arabia saw a 14% annual increase in expatriate remittances in April, totaling SR11.35 billion. Payments from Saudis also rose by 30%, reaching SR4.94 billion. This growth is driven by new development projects, improved economic conditions, digitalization, and supportive regulatory reforms, enhancing the ease of doing business.
King Abdulaziz University awarded Naseej for Technology a SAR 16.18 million contract for academic system upgrades and support. Additionally, the company secured a SAR 17.24 million deal with the Ministry of Commerce. Despite a slight revenue increase, Naseej reported a 39.55% drop in net profit for 2023.
Sri Lanka’s computer literacy has increased to 39% in 2023, with digital literacy at 63.5%, according to the Department of Census and Statistics. Household computer ownership is at 20.2%, with urban areas showing higher rates of both computer and digital skills compared to rural and estate sectors.
Smartphone shipments in Africa have surpassed feature phones, with a 17.9% increase in Q1 2024, reaching 20.2 million units. This growth, driven by South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, is led by Chinese brands and mid-range models. IDC predicts continued growth despite short-term economic uncertainties.
Aramco Digital, the subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, has received a Specialized Radio Network Licence in the 450MHz band from the Saudi CST. This license will facilitate a dedicated network for industrial sectors, advancing digital transformation and enabling IIoT applications, as announced by CEO Tareq Amin.
IT spending in the MENA region is projected to reach $193.7 billion in 2024, a 5.2% increase from 2023. Growth is driven by IT services, while data centre investments decline. GenAI’s immediate impact is limited, but cloud services spending is set to rise, with a focus on cost-effective use cases.