Digital Rights Nepal has released two analysis papers scrutinizing Nepal’s cyber security policies. The papers critically assess the National Cyber Security Policy and the proposed National Internet Gateway, highlighting potential risks to human rights, internet freedom, and privacy due to increased surveillance and governmental control over digital content.
At CGI 2024, the UAE launched the third edition of the FoodTech Challenge, focusing on food and water, energy, and loss. The competition aims to foster innovative solutions to global food security challenges, supported by a $2 million prize and strategic partnerships.
Leading UAE telecom company e& reported a 6% increase in H1 2024 revenue, reaching AED28.3 billion ($7.7 billion), and a 17% rise in net profit to AED5.5 billion ($1.5 billion). The strong performance was driven by innovation and digital transformation, with the subscriber base growing to 175 million.
KPMG has extended its global ServiceNow alliance into Bahrain, enhancing digital consulting capabilities. This partnership focuses on streamlining processes in finance, supply chain, HR, and risk management, aiming to boost efficiency and foster growth for businesses in Bahrain.
Grameenphone, Bangladesh’s largest mobile operator, reported a Tk 1,338 crore profit for Q1 2024, a 72% increase year-on-year. The growth was driven by reduced finance costs, foreign exchange gains, and lower income tax expenses, with revenue rising by 5% to Tk 3,734 crore.
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.
Digital Health, a subsidiary of Dialog Axiata in Sri Lanka, has launched an AI-powered health scan service through the Doc990 App. This innovative tool allows users to monitor vital health indicators such as blood pressure and heart rate directly from their smartphones, promoting accessible healthcare and preventive care.
The Arewa Tech Fest introduces a $50 million Arewa Tech Fund to support innovation in Northern Nigeria. This initiative aims to empower young entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth by providing necessary capital, amidst a global downturn in tech investments.
Khalifa University’s RIC2D, through Intratomics, has partnered with LOLC Advanced Technologies Australia to develop and produce graphene-related products. The collaboration includes establishing a state-of-the-art production facility in Abu Dhabi, focusing on sustainable materials and supporting the UAE’s economic diversification through advanced materials like Graphene Oxide and Graphite derivatives.
Orange and Digital Africa have partnered to support and invest in startups across Africa and the Middle East. The collaboration aims to enhance entrepreneurship and innovation, with startups potentially receiving up to $50,000 in their first year through the Fuze scheme.
