Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Satellite and mobile connectivity played a critical role in recent emergency responses in Sri Lanka and along the Thai–Cambodia border. Eutelsat and Bharti Airtel supported flood relief through LEO satellite services, while Thailand’s True Corporation maintained communications, supported evacuees, and restored network services amid border tensions.
FOO and eNovate have launched Egypt’s first digital student app, merging financial services, digital payments, and gamified experiences to promote youth financial literacy. Hosted securely on eFinance’s cloud, the platform empowers Gen Z students with smart, compliant, and engaging digital tools.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 16 April 2025: Dubai is set to unite the global AI ecosystem and advance its future-readiness…
The UAE and Pakistan agreed to expand cooperation across ICT, emerging technologies, digital skills, and innovation. In a meeting between UAE Ambassador Salem Alzaabi and Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, both sides emphasized investment opportunities, Pakistan’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem, and the role of expatriate talent in fostering bilateral technology-led development.
Oman’s FinTech Market to Hit RO 1.1 Billion by 2025, Fueling Investor Confidence and Startup Innovation
Oman’s financial sector is undergoing a transformative shift, with the FinTech market projected to reach RO 1.1 billion by 2025, representing a 16% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The forecast, revealed at the “Building a Future-Ready Bank” summit by IBS Intelligence and Cedar, signals Oman’s emergence as a regional hub for financial innovation.
The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has been pivotal in this rise through its Innovation Acceleration Programme and Regulatory Sandbox, fostering pilot projects, testing new technologies, and enabling a tiered digital-bank licensing framework. This forward-looking regulatory environment has propelled the number of FinTech firms from 26 to 42 within a year, with 16 new licenses issued in 2025 and 52 more under review.
Key growth areas include digital payments (22%), personal finance, trading, and crowdfunding (19% each) — signaling strong demand for financial inclusion and smarter investment solutions. Oman’s push toward a digital-first financial system is reinforced by its national AI policy, alignment with Oman Vision 2040, and global recognition as the fourth-best developing economy for ICT-related FDI.
Backed by initiatives like the RO 25 million Inma Fund for SMEs and 14.5 million digital transactions via OmanNet in early 2025, the Sultanate’s FinTech ecosystem offers fertile ground for both local entrepreneurs and global investors. This convergence of innovation, regulation, and investment is positioning Oman as a regional leader in digital finance and technology-driven growth.
Batelco by Beyon and Infobip have partnered to launch an AI-powered Omni-Channel CPaaS platform that will revolutionize customer communication across Bahrain’s SME, banking, and enterprise sectors, enhancing engagement, efficiency, and digital transformation.
Nigeria’s telecom regulator is positioning 2026 as a turning point, promising better service quality, stronger consumer protection, and a fairer market. The NCC says balancing user trust with operator sustainability will drive investment, innovation, and inclusion, supporting Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.
GLO Ventures and Riyadah Solutions have completed a strategic investment round to support smart mobility in Saudi Arabia. The initiative focuses on building an integrated fleet management and vehicle rental platform, enabling automation and IoT-based services, and aligning with Vision 2030’s goals for digital transformation and innovation.
Ghana is launching a new identity-linked SIM registration system to enhance security, reduce fraud, and improve user experience in the telecom sector.
Google Pay launched in Oman with support from Sohar Bank, enabling contactless payments for international cardholders on Android. The service complements Oman’s digital payments growth alongside Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, enhancing security and reducing cash reliance.