Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bangladeshi schools are rethinking teaching as AI tools like ChatGPT reshape classrooms. Educators see both risks to academic honesty and opportunities for innovation, adopting hybrid approaches that emphasise critical thinking, teacher training, and ethical guidelines to balance AI’s benefits with authentic learning.
Banglalink has installed an 80kW rooftop solar array at its Gazipur data center, producing 130MWh annually and cutting 60 tons of emissions. The project sets a sustainability benchmark for Bangladesh’s telco sector and reflects a regional shift toward renewable-powered infrastructure.
Bahrain concluded the fifth Young Tech Entrepreneur Programme, recognising participants aged 16–25 for their innovative projects and entrepreneurial spirit. The event also honoured key sponsors and partners for supporting the initiative, reinforcing the kingdom’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in technology and business.
Zain Cash and Mastercard are partnering to expand digital payments in Jordan, including prepaid, credit, and SME solutions. The deal introduces an Innovation Hub to co-create services, advancing financial inclusion and supporting Jordan’s digital transformation while reinforcing Zain Cash’s leadership in fintech innovation.
The ICCA Middle East Summit in Bahrain highlighted the region’s growing role in global business events. Leaders stressed AI, strong infrastructure, and sustainability as drivers of growth, while praising Bahrain’s facilities. The industry is expected to deliver wide economic benefits across sectors from tourism to transport.
Solidarity Bahrain has become the first insurer in the kingdom to integrate eKey 2.0, enabling biometric and facial recognition login for seamless, secure access. The move boosts fraud prevention, simplifies digital transactions, and aligns with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 digital transformation strategy.
The DRC is advancing a $400 million satellite project with Monacosat to expand nationwide internet access, targeting rural areas and boosting digital services. With internet penetration below 25%, the initiative aims to close the connectivity gap and diversify the economy beyond mineral dependence.
Mobile money and interoperable payments are accelerating financial inclusion in Africa, processing billions in transactions and supporting regional trade. Yet digital divides, cybersecurity risks, and fragmented regulation remain barriers. Expanding infrastructure and harmonized policy will be key to sustaining growth and driving a fully integrated digital economy.
The UAE’s Technology Innovation Institute, VentureOne, and e& have launched QuantumConnect, a quantum key distribution-based encryption solution. Developed locally, it embeds hardware on fibre networks to deliver future-proof protection against quantum threats, ensuring compliance with UAE cryptography regulations and enhancing data security across regulated industries like finance and healthcare.
Ooredoo and Qatar Airways have joined forces to establish a national AI hub, combining advanced infrastructure, local talent development, and Nvidia GPU-powered innovation. The partnership aims to accelerate Qatar’s digital transformation while enhancing customer experience, operational efficiency, and security across telecommunications, aviation, and other industries.