Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Sri Lanka has inaugurated its National Cyber Security Operations Centre and rolled out the Cyber Protection Strategy 2025–2029 to strengthen digital defenses, protect critical infrastructure, and promote cyber awareness nationwide. The initiative enhances 24/7 threat monitoring and national response capabilities.
Qatar processed 55.08 million payment transactions worth $4.58 billion in September, led by point-of-sale and e-commerce channels, according to the Qatar Central Bank. Instant payment and mobile wallet systems continue to drive financial inclusion and digital transformation nationwide.
Saudi IT Minister Abdullah Alswaha met Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in Washington to discuss strategic cooperation on AI infrastructure, aiming to enhance Saudi Arabia’s national capabilities and reinforce its Vision 2030 digital transformation goals.
Islamabad’s new IT Park, backed by South Korea, is nearly complete and will host 120 startups to boost innovation, exports, and industry-academia collaboration under the Digital Pakistan vision.
CMPak and Huawei have deployed Pakistan’s first FDD 8x120W ultra-wideband high-power solution, achieving 37% lower energy use, double network capacity, and stronger coverage — a major step toward green, intelligent telecom infrastructure.
Telenor Pakistan won three awards at the 2025 Best Place to Work Pakistan Gala — Best in Industry (Telecom), Best Place to Work (Large Company), and Best of the Best Company — reaffirming its leadership in employee culture and inclusion.
Oman has launched a National Innovation Centre to anchor its semiconductor and AI ambitions, backed by a $20 million investment with US-based Movandi. The initiative will train local talent, drive IP creation, and position the Sultanate as a regional innovation hub under Vision 2040.
Nepal Telecom is accelerating 4G and fiber expansion across Karnali Province, extending coverage to 37 municipalities and targeting remote areas such as Dolpa and Humla by year-end.
Morocco’s Chari has raised $12 million in Series A funding led by SPE Capital and Orange Ventures — the country’s largest to date. The YC-backed startup also secured a payment institution licence, paving the way for a merchant super app and Banking-as-a-Service offering.
Morocco recorded over 21 million cyberattack attempts in early 2025, exposing critical vulnerabilities across Web3 and AI systems. Experts urge faster regulatory action and advanced defense investment to protect key sectors and digital assets as AI-driven threats surge.