Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Mashreq has launched a digital cross-border banking service enabling UAE-based Pakistanis to remotely open and manage Mashreq Pakistan accounts through its UAE app. The service includes a unified dashboard, zero minimum balance accounts, and free instant remittances via Quick Remit, simplifying cross-border financial management.
Pakistan will introduce a fully digital Hajj management system next year, covering the entire pilgrimage process from application to return. The initiative, backed by an MoU between the IT and Religious Affairs ministries, aims to improve transparency, reduce delays, and enhance coordination for over 179,000 Pakistani pilgrims annually.
PTCL reported 12 percent revenue growth in 2025, with operating profit surging and Ufone significantly narrowing losses. Flash Fiber and digital services drove expansion, while the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan marked a major consolidation milestone. Enterprise, cloud, and wholesale segments also delivered strong performance across domestic and international markets.
Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals conducted field visits with mining companies to review digital service performance under the Tahawul programme. Feedback on licensing, online platforms, and service timelines will inform phased updates aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and private sector engagement in the mining sector.
Nepal imported 1.41 million smartphones worth Rs. 26.86 billion in the first seven months of FY 2025/26, marking a 40.56 percent rise in value and 15.3 percent growth in volume year-on-year. China remained the dominant supplier, accounting for 85 percent of total imports.
Kuwait has issued Decree Law No. 10/2026 establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital commerce. The law mandates registration with the Ministry of Commerce, enhances transparency requirements, and strengthens consumer rights, including a 14-day return policy, aligning the sector with global standards and Kuwait’s Vision 2035.
Nokia and AWS are showcasing an agentic AI-powered 5G-Advanced network slicing solution, with du and Orange piloting it on live networks. The system uses intent-based automation to dynamically adapt network performance for enterprises, events, and mission-critical use cases, positioning AI-driven slicing as a key 5G-Advanced capability.
Orange Money sponsored the UNDP Digital Payments Forum in Jordan, supporting financial inclusion initiatives focused on women, farmers, and small-scale producers. The forum, held in Sweimeh, highlighted safe and accessible digital payment solutions aligned with Jordan’s national financial inclusion and digital transformation strategies.
e& Carrier & Wholesale Services has activated the 2Africa submarine cable at its SmartHub data centre in the UAE. Spanning 45,000 km, the system enhances international capacity, resilience, and latency performance, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a global connectivity hub amid growing demand for cloud and digital services.
Algeria will host Global Africa Tech 2026 in Algiers from March 28–30 under President Tebboune’s patronage. The event will gather global policymakers and tech leaders to discuss fiber expansion, satellite connectivity, submarine cable protection, and smart ports, reinforcing Algeria’s push to become a regional digital infrastructure hub.