Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Qatar is hosting the 2nd edition of the e-government workshop for the MENA region, focusing on digital transformation. The workshop aims to develop a regional methodology for evaluating the EGDI and enhance collaboration among countries to share best practices in digital governance, supporting Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030.
Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality has launched 17 new agricultural services on the ‘Oun’ app as part of its digital transformation initiative. These services include permits for importing agricultural products, productivity certificates, and approvals for agricultural worker recruitment. The project aims to enhance efficiency, simplify procedures, and support smart city development.
Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing AI adoption across various sectors, including energy, healthcare, and finance, as part of its Vision 2030 goals. With investments in AI infrastructure, research, and education, the Kingdom aims to become the Middle East’s AI epicenter, driving economic growth, innovation, and digital transformation.
Mobily reported a 20.21% YoY increase in net profit for Q1-2025, reaching SAR 767 million. Revenues grew by 5.10% to SAR 4.77 billion, and earnings per share rose to SAR 1. Despite a quarterly decline, Mobily’s annual profit growth was notable, with a 39.20% increase for 2024.
STC Bank, the digital banking arm of Saudi Telecom, has received an $800 million capital infusion to expand its services. The funds will enable the bank to offer a wider range of financial products, supporting its strategy to diversify and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by modernizing its financial sector.
Vodafone Oman has partnered with Sultan Qaboos University to drive research and innovation in Oman’s digital economy. The collaboration includes the Vodafone Innovation Award and a PhD scholarship in AI and Machine Learning. This partnership supports Oman’s Vision 2040, focusing on digital transformation and AI-driven economic growth.
Visa has made strategic investments in Tunisian fintech Konnect and Moroccan startup PayTic, enhancing its commitment to Africa’s fintech ecosystem. These investments are part of Visa’s ongoing USD 1B initiative, empowering startups with funding and mentorship. Konnect offers instant payments via shareable links, while PayTic provides compliance tools for financial institutions.
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.
eSTEM Morocco has expanded its Titrit Digital Houses project, opening five new centers to provide digital education for marginalized girls. In partnership with L’Oréal Morocco and supported by the L’Oréal Fund for Women, the initiative promotes digital literacy, gender equality, and leadership, aiming to empower 50,000 girls across Morocco.
Maroc Telecom has partnered with Visa to integrate Visa’s payment services into MT Cash, its Mobile Money solution. This collaboration aims to enhance financial inclusion and expand digital financial services across Morocco and Africa. The partnership will help accelerate digital payments, targeting underserved populations and boosting e-commerce growth.