Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan assembled 12.5 million mobile phones locally in the first five months of 2025, significantly outpacing imports which declined by over 16%. PTA recorded 10,000 telecom complaints in May with a 98% resolution rate. Smartphones make up 67% of devices on Pakistan’s networks, highlighting strong local production and ongoing sector improvements.
GlobalTech Corporation and Omantel have signed a non-binding MoU to explore a partnership leveraging AI and Big Data technologies. The collaboration aims to deliver innovative AI solutions across multiple industries, supporting Oman’s Digital Transformation and economic diversification efforts under Vision 2040.
Moroccan ministries and partners signed MOUs to promote ethical AI use, including a strategic data center partnership between the Ministry of Digital Transition and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. The collaboration focuses on innovation, training, sustainability, and digital sovereignty to strengthen national capacity in data governance.
Keymous+, a North African hacker group, has executed over 700 DDoS attacks across multiple continents in 2025. Blending hacktivism with commercial operations, they are linked to a DDoS-for-hire service and maintain collaborations with other cyber groups. Their opaque motives and high-volume attacks reflect evolving trends in cyber threats.
Jordan’s tourism sector recorded an 18 percent increase in visitor numbers and a 16 percent rise in tourism revenues in the first half of 2025. Key destinations like the Dead Sea saw significant growth, supported by infrastructure development, targeted marketing, and public-private collaborations enhancing accessibility and services.
CTTECH+ has been launched in nine Partner States to enhance counter-terrorism policies, law enforcement technological capabilities, and public-private partnerships against terrorist misuse of new technologies. The initiative supports global efforts to combat terrorism in the digital age through tailored national and international cooperation.
TurkNet and SOCAR Fiber have partnered to integrate fibre networks along the TANAP pipeline, enhancing Turkey’s internet backbone and cross-border connectivity. This collaboration expands TurkNet’s reach across 25+ cities and provides terrestrial alternatives to subsea routes, supporting FTTH growth and lower latency for data centres.
Ecobank and Google Cloud have partnered to transform African financial services using AI and advanced analytics. The collaboration aims to enhance payment and remittance solutions, improve SME financing, and develop user-friendly digital banking platforms across 33+ African countries, supported by Google Cloud’s technology and expert services.
Bahrain’s Central Bank has introduced a comprehensive stablecoin regulatory framework mandating licensed issuance, full fiat backing with a 1:1 reserve ratio, and robust governance measures. The rules aim to ensure legal clarity, consumer protection, and financial stability, reinforcing Bahrain’s leadership in regulated digital assets and fintech innovation.
Algeria climbed 15 ranks to 74th place in the ITU’s 2025 ICT Development Index, exceeding global, regional, and income group averages. This progress underscores Algeria’s commitment to expanding universal and meaningful internet connectivity nationwide, supporting broader digital inclusion in line with presidential vision.