Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Intel’s Christoph Schell discussed Saudi Arabia’s progress in digital transformation at the WEF, emphasizing the country’s growing demand for custom technology solutions and the importance of AI with cultural relevance. The partnership with Aramco Digital and other tech advancements contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
SAMA has partnered with Google to integrate Google Pay into Saudi Arabia’s national payments network, mada. The move supports Saudi Vision 2030 by advancing digital payments and promoting a less-cash-dependent society.
STC Group has acquired a 9.97% stake in Telefonica and is now seeking a board seat following Telefonica’s CEO change. This move comes after significant ownership changes at Telefonica, with the Spanish government and Criteria increasing their stakes.
Qatar’s digital transformation market is set to grow rapidly, with an expected market size of $9.19bn by 2025, reaching $19.65bn by 2030. The government’s strategic initiatives, including smart city projects and AI technologies, are driving the country’s ambitions to become a global leader in digital innovation.
Oman’s MoHERI has partnered with Digital Talent Company to implement a digital change management framework to support Vision 2040. The initiative includes training ministry employees and creating a roadmap for Oman’s broader digital transformation goals.
Smart Cell has launched a new Smart Centre in Kathmandu to improve customer service and provide detailed information about its products and services. The company plans to expand further with more centres, continuing its growth as Nepal’s third-largest telecom provider.
Morocco and India’s digital experts are collaborating to explore how Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can drive Morocco’s digital transformation. The conference emphasized adapting India’s successful DPI model to Morocco’s specific needs, focusing on inclusive growth, privacy, and scalability.
Iran is set to establish its first AI park in Tehran by 2026, aiming to drive technological progress and provide key AI services. The country also plans to host an international AI conference to promote collaboration and innovation in the field.
EDT&Partners and Eyouth are launching a $6 million initiative to train one million young people in the MENA region in key digital skills. The program, which will focus on AI, programming, and digital marketing, aims to bridge the digital skills gap and empower educators for a more competitive future.
Bangladesh is leading mobile money adoption in South Asia, with bKash driving growth in financial inclusion. The GSMA report highlights the country’s 18% annual growth in mobile money users, and bKash’s significant contributions to the global mobile money sector, especially in remittances.