Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Hutch Sri Lanka, in collaboration with Ceylon Waste Management, has introduced e-waste collection stations at its flagship store and brand shops. Customers can recycle old mobile phones and batteries in exchange for rewards, promoting responsible disposal and reducing electronic waste’s environmental impact.
Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake launched three major digital initiatives: GovPay for government payments, the expansion of President’s Fund services to Divisional Secretariats, and the eBMD system for certificate issuance through embassies. These projects are key steps toward modernizing the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Pakistan’s mobile phone assembly industry saw a 47% increase in production in 2024, reaching 31.4 million units. Government import restrictions, tax incentives, and economic recovery drove the growth. December 2024 alone saw a 28% month-over-month increase in local assembly, continuing a positive trend in the sector.
Omani climate tech startup 44.01 has raised an additional $5 million in Series A funding, bringing the total to $42 million. The company focuses on CO2 mineralisation, offering a scalable, cost-effective solution for carbon capture. Investors include Nysnø Climate Investments and Jasoor Ventures, among others.
Nepal Telecom is set to shut down its 2G network on the 1800 MHz band, focusing on expanding its 4G infrastructure. This decision follows the company’s significant 4G growth, with 1.64 crore users. While 2G will remain on the 900 MHz band, the shift aims to improve 4G service and prepare for 5G.
The African Cybersecurity Forum opened in Rabat to address cybersecurity challenges in Africa. With discussions on AI, digital resilience, and critical infrastructure protection, the forum emphasizes the need for pan-African collaboration. Morocco’s commitment to digital security and leadership in the field is central to the event’s focus.
Celona has partnered with stc Group to launch private 5G solutions aimed at enhancing wireless connectivity for businesses. This collaboration will streamline automation, reduce costs, and enable faster deployment of new services across sectors like oil and gas, logistics, and manufacturing in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) transferred JD175 million to the Treasury in 2024. The report highlights key regulatory activities, including the issuance of type approvals, device entry approvals, and exemptions for 5G infrastructure. Jordan’s global rankings in mobile and fixed internet speeds were also mentioned.
Iraq is advancing its digital transformation efforts through significant government service reforms. The Ministry of Finance has achieved a 94% completion rate in service simplification, with a focus on digital initiatives like the “Service Platform.” The country’s goal for 2025 is a fully digital public sector.
Meta AI has expanded to the Middle East and North Africa, offering users in key markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt access to a powerful AI assistant through Meta’s apps. It includes features like image generation, real-time suggestions, and Arabic support, with future updates on the horizon.