Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Oman’s Ministry of Labour has introduced a smart waiting list initiative and announced plans to create 45,000 job opportunities in 2025. The ministry also launched digital transformation efforts, including the ‘Smart Management’ project and freelance work packages to empower Omani entrepreneurs and localize the workforce in key sectors.
Nokia has entered into a strategic partnership with Zain Iraq to upgrade its telecom network in southern Iraq, deploying advanced microwave technology to enhance network capacity and performance in response to rising data service demands.
Talenteo, an Algerian HRTech startup, secured a six-figure investment from 216 Capital to expand into Tunisia and Francophone Africa. The AI-driven SaaS platform serves over 150 companies, helping SMEs digitize HR and payroll operations critical to Africa’s growing workforce.
Saudi Arabia has launched the Digital Future Readiness Program, aiming to train 7,000 residents in generative AI. Led by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Noon Education, the initiative seeks to strengthen the nation’s AI talent pool, supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal of becoming a global leader in AI innovation and education.
The PTA is reviewing the Local Loop licensing regime to align with new technologies like VoIP and NFV. Proposals include allowing licensees to focus solely on broadband services, making the system technology-neutral, and improving efficiency. The aim is to foster competition, enhance service quality, and accelerate digital transformation.
AHOY has launched its Startup Builder Initiative to support 10,000 entrepreneurs and empower 30,000 developers across MENA by 2030. The initiative, backed by decentralized AI and a startup community platform, will drive innovation in sectors like logistics, mobility, and smart cities. AHOY aims to accelerate startup growth and global expansion.
As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of AI and digital technologies in reshaping labor markets is critical. Egypt is urged to invest in education and workforce development to bridge skills gaps and embrace AI adoption, ensuring sustainable economic growth and competitiveness in the global landscape.
Nokia and Vodafone Qatar partner to modernize the national 5G network, enhancing speed, security, and agility. Leveraging cloud-native solutions and AI-driven automation, the upgrade supports Qatar’s growing digital economy and Vodafone’s commitment to innovative, reliable, and scalable connectivity services.
Zain Group has been awarded the Cloudera Data Impact Award for its Data Office’s innovative work in developing advanced data architectures. This recognition highlights Zain’s commitment to a data-driven strategy, fostering a culture of data literacy, and leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency and business outcomes.
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.