Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Iraq selects Vodafone to launch its 5G network, marking a significant step in enhancing its telecommunications infrastructure. This partnership promises advanced connectivity with high-speed data and low latency, signaling a new era in Iraq’s tech development.
Lebanon’s Minister Kamal Shehadi outlined a $50 million strategy to digitize government services and drive AI innovation. The plan includes implementing a national digital ID, digitizing payments, and building AI infrastructure. Shehadi aims to transform Lebanon’s public sector, restore trust, and position the country as an innovation hub.
e& enterprise has partnered with PayPal for a three-year collaboration to enhance payment capabilities through its digital payments platform. The integration will allow businesses in the UAE and beyond to adopt PayPal seamlessly, expanding cross-border commerce and enhancing global market reach through simplified payment processing.
Telenor Asia, parent of Grameenphone, has urged the Bangladesh government to fully restore mobile internet services. Major telecom operators reported a shutdown of 3G and 4G networks ordered by local authorities, leaving only 2G services available. Previous internet blackouts and social media restrictions have raised concerns about safety and connectivity.
LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia’s premier tech event, will be held from February 9 to 12, 2025. With a new ticketed format, it will feature groundbreaking innovations in AI, sports tech, and smart cities. The event will host 680+ startups, 1,000 speakers, and 1,800 global tech brands for networking and investment opportunities.
Egypt has inaugurated the African Space Agency’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital’s Space City, marking a key milestone in Africa’s space industry. The facility will foster continental collaboration, enhance Egypt’s satellite capabilities, and contribute to sustainable development goals. The country continues to lead space advancements in Africa.
Yahsat, a subsidiary of Space42, is set to launch seven satellites for the UAE’s Earth Observation Space Programme. The first satellite, Foresight 1, was launched last August. This initiative supports the UAE’s goal of becoming a leader in the space sector and drives innovation in technology.
DoxAI, a leading provider of AI solutions, joins the UAE’s NextGen FDI initiative to establish its regional headquarters in Dubai. The collaboration supports the UAE’s digital transformation, strengthening its AI and innovation ecosystem, while DoxAI plans to scale operations and forge partnerships with local universities.
BBK has deployed SymphonyAI’s AI-driven anti-money laundering technology to enhance its transaction monitoring and customer due diligence processes across multiple countries. The AI-powered solution helps the bank improve financial crime detection, reduce false positives, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations in Bahrain, Kuwait, India, Turkey, and the UAE.
Paymob has integrated Apple Pay for Egyptian merchants, marking a milestone in Egypt’s digital payments transformation. The partnership enhances consumer convenience and security, enabling contactless payments via Apple devices. This integration aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030, promoting financial inclusion and boosting the digital economy as the nation embraces fintech innovation.