Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
AWS has announced an $8.3 billion investment to expand its cloud infrastructure in the AWS Asia-Pacific (Mumbai) Region, as part of a broader $12.7 billion commitment to India by 2030. This investment aims to boost India’s GDP and create over 81,000 jobs in various sectors by 2030.
Morocco is leading Africa in AI adoption, with 80% of its population aware of ChatGPT and 38% actively using it, according to a BCG survey. This positions Morocco as a global leader in embracing AI technology, driven by a tech-savvy population and strategic investments in digital infrastructure and education.
Space42 and ICEYE have formed a joint venture in the UAE to manufacture SAR satellites, building on their successful collaboration, including the launch of Foresight-1 in August 2024. This partnership advances the UAE’s Earth Observation capabilities, fosters technology transfer, and supports the nation’s space ambitions with local SAR production.
LemFi launches in Egypt, targeting its $29.6B remittance market and diaspora in the US, UK, and Europe. The fintech leverages rising digital payments and aims to expand further in North Africa and beyond.
State-sponsored cyber threats and hacktivism have surged in the Middle East in 2024, with GCC countries being major targets. The Group-IB report highlights a rise in APTs, phishing, and data breaches. Cybercriminal activity is evolving rapidly, with significant risks to critical infrastructure and increasing sophistication in attack tactics.
Nepal Telecom has launched 4G services in Gurans Rural Municipality, Dailekh, providing high-speed mobile data and VoLTE. The expansion is part of NTC’s effort to increase 4G coverage in rural areas, enhancing digital access, education, and health services. NTC’s 4G is now available in nearly 99% of local levels.
stc Kuwait’s H1 2025 highlights include 5G Advanced rollout, 5.2% revenue growth, and initiatives supporting startups, reflecting strong financial health and leadership in digital transformation.
TRAI has introduced stricter rules to curb spam calls and messages, imposing fines ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh on telecom operators for misreporting spam counts. The new regulations require operators to monitor call patterns and flag potential spammers in real time to ensure compliance.
The marketing world is shifting from third-party cookies to AI-driven, privacy-first technologies. Google’s Privacy Sandbox, Apple’s App Tracking Transparency, and Meta’s losses reflect this transformation. Brands like Netflix, Sephora, and Spotify are leading the way with personalized AI experiences. Emerging tech includes biometric logins, emotional AI, and predictive interfaces.