Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2025 will recognize top innovations in digital payments across Sri Lanka’s financial sector. The awards aim to honor institutions driving digital transformation, financial inclusivity, and customer convenience. Categories include excellence in mobile applications, retail payments, and government digital payments, with the event supported by major global partners.
Saudi Arabia’s Absher platform processed over 43 million transactions in July 2025, including 40.6M through Absher Individuals and 2.7M through Absher Business. With 28M unified digital identities issued, Absher strengthens access to 500+ entities via Nafath, reinforcing its role in the Kingdom’s digital transformation.
GKT eSIM introduced its Digital Kiosk Display at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, designed for easy eSIM purchases in hotels, resorts, and airports. The company also announced special offers for UEFA Euro Cup 2024 and France Olympics 2024, providing unlimited data plans for travelers.
Alibaba has launched operations in Morocco, marking its first expansion into Africa. The move aims to support Moroccan businesses in expanding exports, particularly to North America. Through partnerships and digital storefronts, Alibaba hopes to increase global export opportunities for Moroccan companies and diversify their export markets beyond the EU.
BEAMTEL has launched CyberPlatform, Morocco’s first Arabic-language cybersecurity platform, to raise awareness among citizens, SMEs, schools, and public institutions. Designed to align with national laws and strategies, it simplifies digital protection measures, addresses rising cyber threats, and reinforces Morocco’s digital sovereignty.
Morocco’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) will launch campaigns in 2025 to measure the quality of fixed Internet services. The initiative will monitor key service indicators such as latency and throughput, aiming to ensure high-quality connections for 2.57 million subscribers. Penalties will be imposed for operators failing to meet standards.
Ooredoo Kuwait Group records a 5% positive growth in consolidated revenues, reaching KWD 178 million in Q1 2025 Naser bin…
The ITU’s 2024 report reveals that only 38% of Africa’s population is online, highlighting the continent’s digital divide. Key barriers include high internet costs, lack of digital skills, and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts from governments, private sector players, and international organizations to improve access.
Pakistan’s IT Ministry (Ignite) and HUM Network have launched the Center of Excellence in Gaming & Animation (CEGA), the country’s biggest initiative in the sector. The project will train youth, foster startups, and expand exports, while Pakistan and Turkey also agreed to strengthen ICT collaboration.
The Minister of State for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has committed to overhauling Pakistan’s internet infrastructure. The government plans to enhance broadband access, improve coverage, and address cybersecurity challenges to ensure seamless service. Efforts include upgrading systems, enhancing tower intensity, and resolving issues affecting citizens’ internet experience.