Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Algeria’s digital journey takes center stage at an INESG gathering, highlighting achievements in high-speed internet deployment and the transition to online processes. Experts commend the nation’s digitization efforts, emphasizing collaboration and innovation as keys to success in advancing Algeria’s digital landscape.
MENA’s e-commerce market has surged by over 30% in 2024, driven by digital initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy. The growth is creating both opportunities and challenges for logistics providers, who must innovate with automation, regional fulfilment centres, and real-time tracking solutions.
Nepal Telecom has launched 4G services in Gurans Rural Municipality, Dailekh, providing high-speed mobile data and VoLTE. The expansion is part of NTC’s effort to increase 4G coverage in rural areas, enhancing digital access, education, and health services. NTC’s 4G is now available in nearly 99% of local levels.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) and UTAS Muscat inaugurated the Hadatha Centre to support Oman’s cybersecurity industry. The centre aims to enhance research, innovation, and development in cybersecurity while fostering collaboration between government, private sectors, and academic institutions, positioning Oman as a regional leader in cybersecurity.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia have formalized cooperation to securely exchange personal data under aligned data protection frameworks, enhancing cybersecurity and enabling cross-border digital services. This agreement, alongside prior MOUs, supports regional interoperability and sets higher compliance standards for public and private sector entities.
e& Egypt has partnered with Kuwaiti firm Urbnlanes Developments to upgrade ICT and data infrastructure for projects in New Cairo and the New Administrative Capital. The collaboration will introduce advanced digital solutions and expand fiber-optic networks to provide Triple Play services, enhancing connectivity for residents.
Omantel and Airgain have entered a strategic partnership to improve 5G coverage across the MENA region, focusing on Airgain’s Lighthouse smart network repeater. The collaboration includes joint R&D for region-specific solutions, aiming to address infrastructure challenges and expand 5G connectivity. The partnership is poised to capture new revenue opportunities in the MENA market.
MusiqAI, launched by the Saudi Music Commission, is the first self-learn digital platform for music in Saudi Arabia and the Arab region. The platform offers interactive music courses in Arabic and Western instruments, with self-paced learning and accredited certifications. It supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for cultural growth.
The National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) has partnered with Intellect Global Transaction Banking (iGTB) to enhance its digital banking capabilities through cloud-managed services. This collaboration, featuring the eMACH.ai Digital Transaction Banking solution, marks a significant advancement in the UAE’s digital transaction banking landscape, enabling NBF to offer innovative, cloud-powered services to its clients.
Zain launched its 5G Advanced network in Kuwait, offering ultra-fast, reliable connectivity and enabling next-generation innovations aligned with Vision 2035. The rollout strengthens Kuwait’s digital infrastructure and Zain’s position as a regional tech leader.