Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Changpeng Zhao, former CEO of Binance, met with Nawaz Sharif to discuss the future of Pakistan’s digital economy and Web3 technologies. The meeting focused on blockchain, fintech, and equipping youth with IT skills. Zhao’s appointment as a strategic adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council was also welcomed.
SITA and NEC have partnered to advance digital identity adoption in the travel industry, joining forces in SITA’s Digital Travel Ecosystem. This collaboration aims to simplify biometric identity verification, increase interoperability, and improve security, enhancing the passenger experience at airports and airlines worldwide.
Rowad Capital Commercial (RCC) will acquire a 60% stake in Uganda Telecommunications Corporation (UTel) as part of a plan to manage and commercialize Uganda’s ICT National Backbone Infrastructure. The partnership involves an initial investment of US$25 million, with plans to invest an additional US$200 million over three years.
Kuwait Times is supporting the second edition of CODED’s Academy X program, empowering young women with skills in AI, smart application development, and entrepreneurship. The program expands its capacity to 500 students this year. Industry players like Zain Kuwait and other strategic partners are contributing to its success.
The inaugural University of Mississippi symposium discussed the impact of social media and AI on democracy. Experts highlighted the risks of misinformation, deepfakes, and social media’s role in spreading falsehoods. The event stressed the importance of media literacy and education in safeguarding democracy and combating digital threats.
Bangladesh’s $16 billion EdTech market remains largely untapped, with startups securing only $18 million in investment. At the Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025 event, experts emphasized the need for budgetary support and investment in tech-driven education to bridge gaps, improve accessibility, and create an inclusive, future-ready education system.
The Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2025, held from April 15–16, will focus on sustainable urban development, AI, and smart technologies. Key discussions will cover topics like IoT, fintech, smart mobility, and heritage preservation. The event will also feature an interactive exhibition and award innovative smart city initiatives.
Türk Telekom International (TTI) has integrated BroadForward’s signaling solutions for 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, enhancing efficiency and preparing for 5G. The solution offers unmatched flexibility, supporting multiple core network generations. The integration, facilitated by Odine, streamlines TTI’s network management and supports future technological advancements.
ACAPS has launched the “Emergence” programme to support Morocco’s insurance sector’s digital transformation. The initiative encourages collaboration among industry stakeholders and experts, focusing on identifying innovative solutions for the sector’s development. Running from April 7 to May 30, 2025, it aims to promote synergies and drive technological innovation.
Cassava Technologies, led by Strive Masiyiwa, plans to invest up to USD 720 million in partnership with NVIDIA to build Africa’s first AI factory. The initiative will deploy 12,000 GPUs across South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco, boosting AI infrastructure and capabilities across the continent.