Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Vodafone Business and Maroc Telecom have signed an MoU to enhance digital services and connectivity in Morocco. The initial phase focuses on smart city and energy management, with plans to expand into SD-WAN, mobile private networks, and cybersecurity. The collaboration supports Morocco’s goal of becoming a digital hub by 2030.
Zain Iraq has partnered with KRAFTON Europe to empower Iraqi youth and boost the country’s gaming and esports scene. The MoU will launch initiatives under the Zain esports brand, bring KRAFTON’s premium gaming portfolio to Iraq, and organize specialized events tailored to local esports enthusiasts.
Orange Jordan, in partnership with FutureTEC and NETSCOUT, hosted a conference focused on addressing cybersecurity challenges, especially DDoS attacks in the financial sector. The event highlighted the importance of adopting proactive technologies like Omnis AED to ensure business continuity and strengthen cybersecurity within critical sectors, particularly banking.
Vodafone Egypt hosted a roundtable in Cairo with the GSMA, focusing on regional mobile investment. The report highlighted outdated regulations and the need for better policies to boost infrastructure and bridge the digital gap. Collaborations between public and private sectors were emphasized to enable MENA’s digital transformation.
KAFD and Huawei have launched Saudi Arabia’s first Smart WiFi-7 service, enhancing connectivity across KAFD. This new service, part of the district’s Smart City Platform, improves digital infrastructure, providing faster, more reliable internet access and tailored experiences, supporting the country’s Vision 2030 and solidifying KAFD as a smart city leader.
Saudi Arabia is integrating AI and telemedicine to revolutionize healthcare, particularly in remote areas, as part of its Vision 2030. Initiatives like the Seha Virtual Hospital and AI apps are enhancing diagnostics and patient care. The digital health market is projected to grow from $3.2 billion in 2024 to $13.3 billion by 2031.
Sidra Medicine has partnered with Vitafluence.ai GmbH and EmpathicAI.Life to advance AI-powered healthcare solutions. The collaboration will focus on developing digital tools to improve clinical decision-making, personalize patient care, and foster innovation in Sidra’s academic medical ecosystem. The agreement will span three years, emphasizing predictive modeling and AI-assisted diagnostics.
Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality has launched 17 new agricultural services on the ‘Oun’ app, part of its digital transformation project. The services streamline permit issuance for agricultural imports and enhance efficiency through digital processes. The ministry is working on developing 400 services to improve accessibility and support smart city initiatives.
Ooredoo Group hosted a conference in Qatar to mark ITU’s 160th anniversary, focusing on the future of global connectivity. Key topics included the digital divide, AI’s role in telecom, 5G, and satellite internet. Discussions also covered the importance of telecom in crisis management and building inclusive digital ecosystems.
A delegation from China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC), led by Chairman Yang Jie, met Pakistan’s Ministry of IT to discuss advancing digital infrastructure under CPEC. Key topics included AI-enabled data centers, 5G technology, and content hosting partnerships, aimed at enhancing connectivity and regional integration between China and Pakistan.