Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Qatar has launched the 2024 Digital Inclusion Index to ensure equal access to digital services for all members of society. The report highlights the country’s progress in digital infrastructure and skills development, with goals to further improve digital access, competencies, and trust by 2030, aligning with Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030.
African startups like Soil Regen Guy, Afrisoul, LiquidGold, Arumloo, and FOST are pioneering affordable, scalable water-saving technologies to tackle the continent’s water scarcity crisis. Their solutions target smallholder farmers, schools, communities, and large farms, combining innovation with local relevance to conserve water, boost agricultural productivity, and improve sanitation.
eSewa has partnered with Nepal SBI Bank to enable seamless electronic transactions between their users. This collaboration allows Nepal SBI Bank customers to load money into eSewa wallets and vice versa. The partnership expands eSewa’s network to 51 affiliated banks, enhancing Nepal’s digital payment ecosystem.
Zain Business teams up with Orchid Developers to provide ultra-fast internet to Orchid Towers residents, enhancing digital connectivity across Bahrain. This partnership supports Zain’s vision to drive digital transformation and deliver innovative, scalable solutions that improve living and working environments in the Kingdom’s premier high-rise developments.
Kyrgyzstan has imposed a one-year state monopoly on international internet traffic, transferring control to state telecom ElCat. The decree aims to improve digital infrastructure but lacks clarity. The move comes amid rising government control over media and online content in the country.
stc Group played a crucial role in the successful debut of the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to become a global esports hub. With robust infrastructure and innovation, stc provided seamless connectivity and an ecosystem of services, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position in the global gaming industry.
In an era where the younger generation displays a significant interest in gadgets, Kaspersky, an international cybersecurity firm, has collaborated with the Cadi Ayad school in Casablanca to host a “Family Day” aimed at educating children about the importance of information technology.
Starlink is set to launch satellite internet services in Pakistan by late 2025. The Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board is finalizing licensing rules, with Starlink leading applications. Other firms like Amazon and OneWeb are also interested in entering Pakistan’s satellite internet market.
Rakuten Symphony and Tejas Networks partner to create integrated Open RAN solutions, targeting India and international markets. The collaboration merges Rakuten’s cloud-native software with Tejas’s radio tech to meet evolving telecom demands and expand 4G/5G deployments.
JD.com has launched JoyExpress, a self-operated courier service in Saudi Arabia, expanding its logistics footprint and intensifying competition with Meituan. The service covers same-day delivery and cross-border logistics, marking a significant step in JD.com’s Middle East growth strategy amid a heated rivalry in China’s delivery market.