Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan has seen a 28% increase in mobile internet speed over the past year, with speeds rising from 15.65 Mbps to 20.02 Mbps. The PTA reports a 24.2% surge in mobile internet usage and highlights positive growth in broadband and telecom subscribers, despite challenges in global internet speed rankings.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development ranked first among ministries and second overall in the 2024 Digital Transformation Index. The award, presented during the Digital Government Forum, highlights the Kingdom’s leadership in digital transformation, with notable achievements in AI, e-services, and accessibility for people with disabilities.
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, opened the 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, attended by over 10,000 participants from 160 countries. The event covers topics like cybersecurity, AI, and data privacy across 300 sessions. Notable discussions include the ethics of AI and the growing role of businesses in governance.
Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, CEO of Bahrain’s iGA, participated in the 3rd Digital Government Forum and the 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh. He addressed issues like misinformation, Bahrain’s response during the pandemic, and the importance of AI and global cooperation in tackling digital threats, fostering trust in technology.
The 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF), hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh from December 15-19, 2024, focuses on building a multistakeholder digital future. For the first time, a delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is participating. Discussions include digital service challenges, online threats, and global Internet trust.
ODP has partnered with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to modernise the Ministry’s IT infrastructure with a comprehensive cloud transformation. This includes establishing a Disaster Recovery Centre and implementing enhanced cybersecurity measures. The project aims to improve public service delivery, strengthen resilience, and align with Oman’s digital transformation goals.
Nedaa has successfully implemented its advanced 4G network and Tetra wireless communication system in the Hatta region, enhancing public safety and communication infrastructure. This development supports Hatta’s growth as a cultural and tourism hub while improving emergency response capabilities and ensuring seamless connectivity for government and private sectors.
TikTok hosted a star-studded event in Nepal as part of its Safety Ambassadors Programme to promote digital safety awareness. The event included a panel of prominent content creators who discussed issues like misinformation, harassment, and online scams, while encouraging responsible internet use and safe content creation on the platform.
Huawei and Tunisia’s El-Khawarizmi Computing Center held the CCK-Huawei Technology Summit 2024, focusing on enhancing smart education in Tunisia. The partnership aims to integrate AI and digital technologies to improve education and promote innovation, supporting Tunisia’s future generations with cutting-edge tools and expanding access to higher education.
PayTabs has partnered with Concept Combined Group Kuwait to launch PayTabs Kuwait, aiming to enhance digital payment services in the country. The initiative will provide secure and efficient payment solutions, particularly for SMEs, and support Kuwait’s digital transformation goals under the ‘New Kuwait 2035’ vision.