Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
BerryPay and DIGITEC join forces to launch an Algerian digital payment platform, enhancing financial inclusion and cross-border remittances, while supporting Algeria’s digital banking growth amid evolving regulatory frameworks.
Egypt has granted licenses to seven major companies, boosting the contact center sector and solidifying its role as a global hub for digital services and outsourcing. This strategic move supports the growth of the call center industry, contributing to Egypt’s position as a key player in the global outsourcing market.
Arab Financial Services (AFS) and Samsung Gulf Electronics have launched Samsung Pay in Oman, marking a key step in the country’s digital transformation. This partnership combines AFS’s expertise in digital payments with Samsung’s technology, offering Omani consumers secure, convenient contactless payments and supporting Oman’s financial ecosystem and regulatory goals.
Dialog Axiata’s Techliya programme, part of Ideamart for Women, concluded successfully, empowering Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs by enhancing their digital skills. The initiative provided resources, mentoring, and tools for business digitalisation, financial technology, and international expansion, highlighting the importance of ongoing support in the SME sector’s digital transformation.
Ookla’s report reveals Morocco’s rapid progress in fixed broadband infrastructure, with fiber deployments improving network performance ahead of major events like the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Hotels in key cities show impressive Wi-Fi speeds, enhancing Morocco’s appeal as a digital tourist destination.
Derasat, Bahrain’s Centre for Strategic, International, and Energy Studies, continued to strengthen regional and global partnerships throughout 2024. The centre advanced its strategic initiatives, including collaborations with international institutions, the launch of the “Green Houses of Worship” programme, and contributions to Bahrain’s digital transformation efforts.
Morocco and Hong Kong’s Jungnong Group have launched a $22 million joint venture to modernize agriculture through water-efficient technologies and soil rehabilitation. The project includes training in precision farming and supports Morocco’s Green Generation strategy to create a climate-resilient farming model that can be expanded regionally.
Prepaid mobile users in Qatar are calling on authorities to address concerns over high rates and short validity durations of telecom packages. Following a report by The Peninsula, many users voiced their dissatisfaction on social media, urging for more affordable and customer-friendly mobile service options in the country.
Nokia and Vodafone Qatar partner to modernize the national 5G network, enhancing speed, security, and agility. Leveraging cloud-native solutions and AI-driven automation, the upgrade supports Qatar’s growing digital economy and Vodafone’s commitment to innovative, reliable, and scalable connectivity services.
Al Baida Group and Elm Company signed an MoU to collaborate on digital transformation projects in Qatar, combining Elm’s regional digital expertise with Al Baida’s strong local presence to support the country’s innovation and government digitalization goals.