Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt has approved its 2025–2030 National AI Strategy, focusing on cross-sector integration and the launch of a new open data policy to empower startups. The plan includes AI safety guidelines for children and a partnership with UNESCO to train government personnel across Africa. By seeking membership in global committees like CDNET, Egypt aims to cement its role as a regional hub for data and innovation.
Egypt is modernizing services for expatriates by digitizing consular procedures and simplifying customs for cars and mobile phones. A cross-ministry meeting chaired by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also addressed easier university admissions for students abroad and improved legal support. These steps aim to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and strengthen ties with the Egyptian diaspora.
Bangladesh mobile operators have warned of potential network collapses due to fuel shortages and power rationing triggered by Middle East conflict. AMTOB has requested the BTRC to grant priority fuel and electricity allocation to keep 185 million users connected. Lack of generator fuel threatens data centers, emergency services, and digital transactions ahead of the Eid holidays.
The Communications Authority of Kenya is auditing Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell technology to prevent interference with terrestrial 4G and 5G networks. The review, prompted by an Airtel Kenya partnership, focuses on managing shared spectrum usage between LEO satellites and mobile towers. A final decision on power limits and geographic restrictions is expected by mid-2026.
Saudi Arabia and UNESCO have launched a collaborative framework for sustainable AI under Vision 2030. The initiative focuses on “Greening of AI” to reduce energy consumption and “Greening with AI” to solve global environmental issues. By embedding ethics and human-centered design, the Kingdom aims to lead global responsible AI governance.
Jordan has updated its Sanad app, enabling property tax payments and providing non-Jordanians with vehicle and traffic fine access. The update introduces eKYC facial recognition for remote account management and digital ID verification. With over 2.38 million active users, the app continues to drive Jordan’s digital transformation and economic modernization.
As GCC nations move toward “trust by design,” secure communication has become a strategic priority for national sovereignty. Moving beyond simple digitization, the region is adopting Digital Postbox models and edge-to-edge encryption to ensure official interactions are verifiable and legally binding. This shift reduces fraud and solidifies the foundation of future digital societies in line with Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040.
Oman has launched its 2026–2030 digital strategy, featuring regional tech centres, a national AI decision-making platform, and local server manufacturing. Building on 2,200 already-digitized services, the Sultanate aims for 10% digital GDP contribution by 2040, focusing on cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and national data sovereignty to drive economic diversification.
MoHRE successfully managed 60 million customer interactions in 2025 by integrating AI into its Tawasul system. The digital transformation reduced operational bloat, saved thousands of work hours, and maintained a 91% satisfaction rate. This shift reinforces the UAE’s position as a global leader in smart government and digital service efficiency.
Electronic warfare is scrambling GPS signals in the Strait of Hormuz, creating “ghost” ship clusters and heightening collision risks in a vital oil corridor. Experts warn that invisible electromagnetic battles between regional powers are making traditional navigation unreliable, forcing the maritime industry to adopt anti-jamming tech and alternative star-mapping systems.