Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
UNICEF and Finland launched a child-led photography exhibition in Kathmandu, amplifying children’s voices on education after crisis. Jhalko showcases resilience in earthquake-affected West Rukum and highlights how learning continuity protects wellbeing, restores normalcy, and builds long-term recovery through inclusive, safe education spaces.
AI-generated videos and audio are flooding Nepal’s digital space ahead of the March 5 election, falsely depicting alliances and conversations among political leaders. Weak detection tools, past platform bans, and outdated rules leave voters exposed, turning Nepal’s vote into a real-world test of democracy under deepfake pressure.
Oman’s mobile market has been reshaped by 5G investment, regulatory reform, and Vodafone’s entry. Network coverage now exceeds 90%, speeds have doubled, and global rankings improved. Omantel and Ooredoo lead performance, while Vodafone drives competition through digital-first pricing, supported by pro-investment regulation.
Morocco has ordered major ISPs to block unlicensed betting platforms, enforcing DNS and IP restrictions after a court ruling backed by the state lottery operator. The move aims to protect players, curb illegal gambling, and keep betting revenue within the country, with daily fines for non-compliance.
Saudi Arabia has launched a digital system to manage Ramadan iftar at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque. Built with Ehsan and Nusuk, the platform enables online registration, secure payments, and permit issuance, ensuring transparent, efficient, and well-governed meal distribution.
India and Kuwait convened a high-level AI dialogue in Kuwait City, spotlighting India’s leadership in digital innovation, ethical AI, and startup growth. The event positioned AI as a bridge for bilateral collaboration and set the stage for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, reinforcing Global South leadership.
Kuwait Investment Authority-backed Raqami Islamic Digital Bank will launch in Pakistan next month with a $100 million investment. The fully digital, Shariah-compliant bank targets individuals and SMEs, expanding financial inclusion and reinforcing growing Gulf interest in Pakistan’s banking and digital finance sector.
Kuwait is accelerating PPP-led infrastructure, with the Supreme Committee reviewing power, water, and digital projects. Approval is pending to award the national fiber network tender, a 50-year PPP delivering up to 10Gbps speeds and 90% home coverage, shifting network operations to the private sector.
Jordan marked International Day of Education 2026 by centering youth as co-creators of learning. UNESCO and UNICEF highlighted how young people must shape reform, align education with real opportunity, and lead digital and green transitions, ensuring inclusion and building a future-ready system rooted in partnership.
Orange Jordan topped the 2025 DSBO mobile network tests after nationwide drive measurements covering nearly 8,000km. Independent testing by Commsquare confirmed the operator’s leading performance in both voice and data, reflecting sustained investment in network quality and nationwide user experience.