Qatar has launched the 2024 Digital Inclusion Index to ensure equal access to digital services for all members of society. The report highlights the country’s progress in digital infrastructure and skills development, with goals to further improve digital access, competencies, and trust by 2030, aligning with Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030.
Easypaisa has become Pakistan’s first digital retail bank after receiving commercial approval from the State Bank of Pakistan. Supported by Telenor and Alipay, Easypaisa has evolved from a mobile wallet service to a full-fledged digital bank, with 50 million registered users and a significant role in the country’s financial inclusion.
Pakistan faces potential losses of $1.8 billion (Rs 500 billion) in GDP due to unsold spectrum in the upcoming auction, attributed to high reserve prices. The GSMA urges more affordable pricing to avoid delays in the country’s 5G rollout, which could impact digital infrastructure and mobile data services.
Oman will release a revised national AI policy in early 2025, incorporating sector developments and feedback. The updated policy will drive AI development and safeguard national interests. The government aims to increase the digital economy’s contribution to GDP and develop an Omani large language model and AI studio.
UM6P and STATION F have launched the NextAfrica program to support startups focused on Greentech, Agritech, and Healthtech. This collaboration aims to bridge Europe and Africa, providing mentorship, funding, and resources to international startups looking to enter African markets. The program will foster innovation and address key regional challenges.
Maroc Telecom’s debt surged by 6.6 billion MAD, making it the most indebted company on the Casablanca Stock Exchange. This increase, driven by a legal dispute resolution, contributed to a 17% rise in net debt among non-financial companies. The report also highlighted growth in turnover and investments across sectors.
VA Tech Wabag has secured a $14 million contract from BAPCO Refining for the operation and maintenance of an Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bahrain. The seven-year contract emphasizes WABAG’s technological excellence and strengthens its presence in the region’s water treatment sector, using advanced Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology.
Zain Jordan has implemented an AI-powered chatbot platform using OpenAI’s LLM and OCR technology to improve document management efficiency. The platform allows employees to quickly retrieve data from both digital and scanned documents, saving time, reducing costs, and increasing accuracy, while driving digital transformation within the organization.
Orange Jordan has inaugurated a new digital fabrication lab at the German Jordanian University, the sixth under its Orange Digital Centres initiative. The lab offers free courses in design and prototyping, empowering students to develop digital skills and turn their ideas into reality, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Jordan’s tablet imports reached JD45 million in 2024, with around 464,000 units entering the market. This marks a significant increase from 2023’s imports of 310,000 units, reflecting fluctuating demand. The data, based on certified customs documents, offers insights into the trends in Jordan’s consumer electronics market.
