Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has invested in Elon Musk’s xAI, acquiring an undisclosed stake. This move is part of OIA’s strategy to diversify its portfolio and invest in advanced technologies. xAI aims to lead AI innovation, with significant developments like its Grok-2 platform and upcoming Grok-3 model.
Eight Pakistani IT students will compete in the regional finals of Huawei’s Seeds for the Future 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The program, part of Huawei’s global CSR initiative, aims to foster innovation and develop IT talent. Participants will receive training in digital skills, cross-cultural exchanges, and hands-on experience with advanced technologies.
Zain Kuwait partners with DHL to adopt GoGreen Plus, using Sustainable Aviation Fuel to cut air freight emissions by up to 80%. This initiative supports Zain’s net-zero 2050 goal, complementing its renewable energy, AI-driven efficiency, and robust sustainability programs, reinforcing its leadership in telecom climate action.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has opened the 6GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi to improve internet access in Nigeria. This initiative, announced in Lagos, aims to address capacity issues with current Wi-Fi bands and support high-speed, advanced applications.
Jahez Application and Kuwait Innovation Center have launched Kuwait’s first Food Innovation Hackathon, inviting youth and creative thinkers to develop AI-driven solutions for food delivery challenges. The multi-phase program includes workshops, mentorship, and cash prizes, supporting Kuwait’s Vision 2035 goals by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the food tech sector.
Moroccan prop-tech startup Agenz has secured an undisclosed investment from Renew Capital to expand its services across Morocco and Africa. Founded in 2020, Agenz uses data intelligence for property valuations and market insights, enhancing transparency in the real estate sector and enabling informed decision-making for buyers and sellers.
Bangladesh’s ICT Roadmap 2030 envisions a digital transformation that positions the country as a global tech leader. Focused on job creation, skills development, cybersecurity, and innovation, it aims to foster a robust ICT infrastructure, digital inclusion, and sustainability. The roadmap will drive economic growth and improve quality of life.
Telecommunications Minister Charles Hajj and U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson discussed Lebanon’s reconstruction and bilateral relations during a recent meeting. Hajj stressed the importance of stability and urged the U.S. to pressure Israel to withdraw from the five points it still occupies, citing the need for progress.
Minister of Telecommunications Charbel Hajj met with Zain Group CEO Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi to discuss strengthening cooperation in Lebanon’s telecommunications sector. They explored investment opportunities, joint projects, and the importance of Lebanon’s stability for economic growth. Hajj also outlined his vision for sector development, focusing on Law 431 and strategic plans.
Omantel reported RO 3.03 billion in revenue for 2024, driven by strong domestic growth and regional performance through Zain Group. Its new “Portal to the Future” strategy focuses on AI, cloud, fintech, and sustainability, positioning the company as a key enabler of Oman Vision 2040 and regional digital transformation.