Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Binance Academy and Pakistan MoITT partner to train 300 educators and 80,000 students in blockchain by 2026, strengthening Pakistan’s Web3 talent pipeline and digital economy.
G42 and Cisco have signed an MoU to advance AI innovation and infrastructure development across sectors. The partnership aims to leverage Cisco’s secure AI solutions and G42’s regional expertise to support the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031. The collaboration will also focus on AI-powered cybersecurity and high-performance computing.
Saudi fintech start-up Barq has quickly gained traction since its launch, offering a financial app for global money transfers and Visa cards with various perks. With over $133 million transferred and 1 million users onboarded, Barq is revolutionizing the fintech landscape in the region.
Pakistan’s telecom sector saw a decline in cellular subscriptions, 3G/4G users, and mobile broadband penetration in November 2024. The PTA also resolved 99% of complaints, with most concerns related to Cellular Mobile Operators. Despite the drop in users, 4G adoption continued to grow across major operators.
Qatar’s metaverse campaign, developed by Q Life, attracted over 15.9 million visitors in eight weeks, showcasing the country’s landmarks and culture through immersive experiences. The campaign, including virtual visits to Lusail Stadium and Souq Waqif, significantly boosted interest in Qatar, with 92.7% of participants considering visiting in the next year.
Bangladesh restored mobile internet services after a 12-day outage caused by violent protests. However, social media platforms remain blocked pending talks with government officials. State minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak cited “planned sabotage” for the blackout, while digital rights groups urge an independent enquiry into the incident’s true cause.
Bangladesh faces some of the highest internet taxes in Asia, with a combined rate of 39%. The GSMA report highlights how these high taxes, along with regulatory challenges, hinder the telecom sector’s growth and digital transformation. The report calls for tax reforms, streamlined regulations, and better collaboration for progress.
Teletalk has been directed to improve its service quality and prepare for future technologies like 5G. The operator is also considering launching a “GEN Z package” targeting youth, as part of its efforts to enhance customer services and meet public expectations.
Egypt launched the ‘Memory of the City’ app to provide an interactive guide to Cairo’s history, architecture, and notable locations. The app preserves cultural identity and engages new generations by combining historical documentation with modern technology, making heritage more accessible and appealing.
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.