Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan’s digital transformation is gaining momentum as Zong launches its AI+ Plan aligned with China Mobile’s global AI strategy and Pakistan’s National AI Policy 2025. The initiative focuses on responsible AI deployment, infrastructure development, innovation ecosystems, and international collaboration to support sustainable economic and technological growth.
Pakistan remains the world’s top country for searches related to explicit content, but enforcement actions by the PTA have reduced actual viewership, according to its chairman. The regulator has blocked 1.3 million websites, cited legal challenges from conflicting court orders, and highlighted Pakistan’s improved cybersecurity readiness.
Pakistan’s telecom regulator has introduced stringent 5G security guidelines ahead of nationwide deployment, treating next-generation networks as critical national infrastructure. The framework mandates Zero Trust architecture, advanced encryption, AI-driven monitoring, and strong IoT protections to ensure a secure, resilient, and globally credible 5G rollout.
Amnah Energy has signed an MoU to supply green hydrogen to Meranti’s proposed green iron DRI plant in Oman. The deal connects gigawatt-scale renewable hydrogen production with low-carbon steel inputs, reinforcing Oman’s position as a regional hub for green energy and industrial decarbonisation.
Visa has formed a new regional hub spanning Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman to accelerate digital payments and strengthen alignment with national transformation agendas. Led from Riyadh by Ali Bailoun, the move supports cashless economy targets, enhances client proximity, and builds on Visa’s growing infrastructure investments across the region.
Morocco has launched a $140 million startup funding programme under its Digital 2030 strategy to accelerate innovation and scale entrepreneurship. Announced at Digital Now Forum 2025, the initiative combines venture-building support, venture capital funding, and Technopark expansion, with targets of 1,000 startups by 2026 and 3,000 by 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s Absher platform processed more than 38 million electronic transactions in November, driven largely by digital identity services and document access. With over 28 million unified digital IDs issued, Absher continues to play a central role in advancing secure, integrated digital government services across the Kingdom.
Egypt and IT Park Uzbekistan are exploring cooperation to support tech startups, attract investment, and connect innovation ecosystems. The talks aim to help Egyptian companies expand into Central Asia, strengthen bilateral technology ties, and leverage incentives and digital hubs in both countries to accelerate startup growth and cross-border investment.
Vodafone Egypt has expanded its 5G network to over 3,000 urban areas nationwide while renewing its partnership with Mohamed Salah as 5G ambassador. The move strengthens digital connectivity, supports advanced applications across multiple sectors, and reinforces Vodafone’s role in accelerating Egypt’s digital transformation.
Egypt’s telecom regulator has warned of rising smartphone hacking attempts linked to unknown international calls and suspicious messages. The NTRA urged users to avoid answering unfamiliar calls, refrain from opening unknown links, and strengthen app security to protect personal data from cyber threats.