Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt is positioning itself as a smartphone manufacturing hub, partnering with Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Nokia. The government aims to attract Apple, boosting local production and exports. These partnerships are creating job opportunities and leveraging Egypt’s free trade agreements, aligning with the country’s goal to increase exports by 2030.
Egyptian mobile operators are preparing to launch a Wi-Fi calling service by the end of this year, following regulatory approvals from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA). The service aims to improve indoor signal strength in crowded areas and tall buildings, with pricing aligned with standard mobile call rates.
Nayatel has partnered with Agile Managex Technologies to deliver Bitdefender’s top-tier cybersecurity solutions across Pakistan. This collaboration aims to enhance endpoint security for businesses, offering AI-powered malware detection, real-time protection, and centralized management, helping protect against sophisticated cyber threats as Pakistan’s IT sector continues to grow.
Bayanat and Vay have partnered to advance teledriving technology in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, combining AI and geospatial data to enhance autonomous mobility. This collaboration includes a joint R&D initiative aimed at developing safe, next-generation autonomous solutions.
Checkout.com has partnered with noqodi to integrate advanced payment technology into the UAE’s financial ecosystem. This collaboration aims to enhance payment processes for businesses and consumers, offering secure, efficient, and flexible payment solutions. It will streamline transactions, boost operational efficiency, and support economic growth in the region.
Google Cloud has opened new offices in Kuwait, licensed by KDIPA, to support the country’s digital transformation and economic development. The expansion aligns with Kuwait’s National Vision 2035, focusing on modernization, smart economy, and infrastructure, and aims to enhance government services, cybersecurity, and economic growth through advanced digital technologies.
Pakistan’s Universal Service Fund (USF) has connected over 37 million people, laying 17,200 km of fibre optic cable across 161 projects. The programme aims to expand digital access, especially for women and entrepreneurs, supporting the government’s efforts to promote digital inclusion and bridge the connectivity gap nationwide.
The UNESCO MIL Youth Hackathon highlighted the achievements of Jordan’s Youth Media Literacy Ambassadors Program (YMLAP), which won for its impactful community-based projects. This initiative empowers Jordanian youth to combat misinformation and promote media literacy, fostering a more informed and resilient society in the digital age.
BNET has launched a project to transition all copper internet networks in Bahrain to ultra-high-speed fiber networks. This initiative aims to migrate all copper customers to fiber, enhancing internet speeds and reliability for individuals and businesses, and aligning with Bahrain’s Sixth National Telecommunications Plan (NTP6).
Jordan has launched its e-Passport, offering advanced security, biometric features, and ICAO-aligned digital verification, with no extra fees compared to traditional passports. Available from September 1, 2025, via online portals and the Sanad app, the initiative marks a milestone in Jordan’s digital transformation strategy.