Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has engaged in discussions with the Abu Dhabi government and Binance founder Changpeng Zhao on digital finance policy, focusing on digital innovation, data centers, and AI. He emphasized the importance of Malaysia staying competitive and developing a strong digital finance strategy through collaboration with the UAE.
Nepal is set to lift its nine-month ban on TikTok, following new regulatory changes. The government initially banned the app over social harmony concerns but now plans to reintroduce it with stricter guidelines. The move comes after TikTok pledged compliance with local regulations, addressing concerns while balancing user freedom and safety.
Ericsson appoints Patrick Johansson as Head of Market Area Middle East and Africa, effective August 1. Johansson, replacing Fadi Pharaon, brings extensive experience from his role in Business Control & Operations and will be based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
IBI and Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecommunications have established a strategic cooperation to enhance Pakistan’s industrial and digital landscape. The agreement, involving IBI’s subsidiary Toodudu, aims to leverage digital economy and cross-border industrial strengths, promoting economic collaboration and development between China and Pakistan.
Ali Al-Moayyed of Iraq’s CMC invited ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin to Iraq to discuss enhancing Iraq’s digital infrastructure. Their talks, aimed at closing Iraq’s digital divide and fostering innovation, highlighted international cooperation as key to integrating Iraq into the global digital economy.
Maroc Telecom and Inwi have signed a strategic agreement to expand fiber-optic infrastructure and deploy 5G technology across Morocco. The partnership includes the creation of FiberCo and TowerCo, aimed at improving internet access and strengthening Morocco’s digital infrastructure. This initiative represents a major step in the country’s digital transformation.
Renewables First and New Energy Nexus have launched Climate Innovation Pakistan (CLIP), a national platform aimed at accelerating homegrown climate tech solutions. The initiative includes a climate tech incubator and the New Energy Academy to upskill Pakistan’s solar workforce, addressing the country’s climate vulnerability through innovation and collaboration.
DPI Venture Capital, a new investment unit from DPI, has acquired Egyptian fintech fund manager Nclude, aiming to boost financial inclusion and access across Africa and the Middle East. The firm will focus on seed to Series C investments in tech companies enabling financial services for underserved consumers, particularly in Egypt.
Nigeria is expanding its digital economy with initiatives like the National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 and free public Wi-Fi projects in various states. These efforts aim to improve internet access, reduce the digital divide, and promote economic growth. NITDA regulates these initiatives to ensure quality, security, and widespread availability across the country.
Fortinet’s 2024 Cloud Security Report reveals key trends and challenges in cloud security, emphasizing the importance of protecting cloud environments as Saudi Arabia advances its digital transformation. The report highlights global adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud strategies and identifies security, compliance, and resource limitations as primary challenges.
