Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Dialog Axiata has upgraded its agriculture advisory platform Govi Mithuru with AI-powered features, including a trilingual chat and voice bot, image-based pest diagnosis, and a voice assistant via 616. The service expands access to smart farming tools, empowering both farmers and gardeners across Sri Lanka.
Morocco is considering new legislation aimed at regulating children’s access to online gaming platforms, as concerns grow around digital safety,…
Lola, a Bahrain-based startup offering customizable cakes through its mobile app, has raised $1.3 million in pre-seed funding. The round was led by Vision Ventures and Plus VC. Lola plans to enhance its platform, expand its team, and accelerate growth across Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The MENA ICT Forum 2024, held at the Dead Sea, concluded with key recommendations focused on advancing regional technology innovation. The forum emphasized areas like financial technology, cybersecurity, and AI, while also stressing the importance of entrepreneurship, education, and workforce development. These steps aim to enhance global competitiveness in the tech sector.
Broadband Infraco has partnered with Huawei to build a nationwide intelligent all-optical backbone network supporting South Africa’s SA Connect strategy. Using 800G optical technology, the project will expand affordable broadband, bridge urban-rural connectivity gaps, and strengthen regional cross-border digital infrastructure by 2030.
Jordan’s 10th MENA ICT Forum highlighted the country’s growing role in digital transformation. Minister Sami Smeirat emphasized Jordan’s ICT achievements, such as improved global rankings in e-government, innovation, and cybersecurity. The government aims for full digitalization by 2025 and anticipates significant growth in ICT sector revenue and jobs.
Saudi Arabia launches a new digital service enabling pilgrims to activate eSIMs instantly via app and biometric verification, ensuring seamless connectivity upon arrival. This innovation enhances the Hajj and Umrah experience by eliminating traditional SIM card activation delays and aligns with the Kingdom’s commitment to digital modernization.
Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud helps HUTCH achieve significant improvements in data loading times, operational expenses, and team efficiency.
A major Qatari telecom operator joined the global Earth Hour movement by powering down non-essential lights across its offices and facilities. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, reflects a corporate commitment to national environmental goals and sustainable operational practices.
China outlines plans to deploy gigawatt AI data centres in orbit within five years, integrating solar power, satellite constellations, and digital-intelligence infrastructure as part of its national AI strategy, while global players like SpaceX, Starcloud, and Madari Space explore similar space-based computing concepts.