Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Nahda Tech Conference in Damascus, organized by the Syrian Computer Society and Ministry of Telecommunications, kicked off today. It features a training camp focused on entrepreneurship and IT projects. Minister Abdul Salam Heikal also launched “Hudhud,” a platform aimed at exporting Syrian products to global markets, enhancing the national economy.
This service allows customers to make purchases and pay in installments over time, providing a hassle-free shopping experience.
SLT-Mobitel and KOKO have teamed up to provide Buy Now, Pay Later options for 4G and 5G devices in Sri Lanka, making advanced technology more affordable and accessible. This initiative supports digital inclusion and the country’s 5G rollout by enabling customers to pay in easy installments and removing upfront cost barriers.
Zoom Video Communications has appointed Mohannad AlKalash as the managing director for the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, and Pakistan. AlKalash will lead Zoom’s expansion in the region, particularly aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. He brings extensive experience from Cisco and has founded the CyberxWorld platform.
Algeria is advancing university incubators to fuel entrepreneurship and tackle youth unemployment, targeting 20,000 startups by 2029. Engaging tens of thousands of students, the initiative fosters innovation and economic diversification but faces challenges like financing and infrastructure gaps.
The PTCL-Ufone acquisition of Telenor Pakistan remains stuck pending CCP approval, delaying network upgrades, weakening market competition, and slowing 5G readiness, as rivals gain ground and sector uncertainty grows.
The 5G-Advanced Leaders’ Forum in Dubai highlighted the transformative potential of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology. Industry leaders discussed the enhancements in network efficiency, coverage, and performance, and emphasized its role in driving digital innovation across sectors. The UAE announced plans for nationwide 5G-A deployment, reinforcing its commitment to technological advancement.
Zain Saudi Arabia achieved record data usage, internet speed, and international roaming during the Hajj season of 1445 AH, with significant growth in 5G users and data traffic. The company continues to lead in 5G technology, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and enhancing the Hajj experience for pilgrims.
IHC launches a revolutionary AI marketplace powered by SAIF, the first Emirati AI agent, to simplify global access to GPUs, AI modules, and custom stacks. Designed and built in the UAE, the platform democratizes AI technology procurement, supporting developers worldwide and advancing the UAE’s digital economy and AI 2031 vision.
Nepal Telecom (NTC) enhanced mobile connectivity at the Gadhimai fair by installing 21 small cell BTS units and upgrading existing infrastructure to ensure optimal 4G and voice services. This effort helped provide reliable connectivity for large crowds over the 14-day event. NTC also extended high-speed services to other locations.