Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a registration system for freelancers in the IT sector to register their VPNs using mobile numbers. This move aims to facilitate secure and uninterrupted VPN use, ensuring the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy. Over 31,000 VPNs have already been registered.
Kuwait has partnered with Microsoft to drive digital transformation and economic diversification through AI technologies. The partnership aims to enhance innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in emerging technologies, along with creating a security platform for national infrastructure. The government will also implement Microsoft 365 Copilot solutions for greater efficiency.
Sarat Ventures Y Innovations Biotech Fund has launched a $50M initiative to back early-stage biotech companies targeting Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. Anchored by Allocator One, the fund aligns with Vision 2030, aiming to fuel life sciences growth, attract global talent, and advance transformative therapies.
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Kerala has become India’s first state to achieve total digital literacy, training over 20 lakh residents under its Digi Kerala initiative. Meanwhile, Bangladesh continues to face digital divides, policy shortcomings, and weak adult education programmes. Experts call for a coordinated literacy drive integrating digital skills to close the gap.
Bader Alsharif, a Saudi AI scholar, has developed a real-time sign language translation system using AI to bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities. His work aims to improve inclusivity and communication, with future plans to create a Saudi Sign Language version and expand the system globally.
Jordan’s Chambers of Commerce head Khalil Hajj Tawfiq announced upcoming Jordanian-Syrian technical and economic forums in Damascus as Syria’s reconstruction advances post-sanctions. Jordan aims to leverage its IT expertise and contribute to Syria’s rebuilding, urging Arab nations to support efforts across construction, technology, and education sectors.
UAE and Saudi Arabia are moving forward with plans for 6G networks, with the UAE targeting a 2030 launch. However, telecom experts question the business case for 6G due to slowing data growth in MENA and the high costs of deploying 6G infrastructure compared to the ongoing expansion of 5G.
Abu Dhabi start-ups showcased their innovations at the Sushi Tech Tokyo conference, highlighting sustainable agriculture, climate technology, and AI-driven health solutions. The event strengthened UAE-Japan business ties, with discussions on expanding economic partnerships and investments. A new free-trade agreement between the two countries is expected later this year.
TikTok’s Family Academy in Morocco provided parents with digital literacy tools and insights to support teens’ healthy social media use. Experts emphasized dialogue over control and highlighted culturally relevant resources to foster better parent-teen communication about digital habits.