Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Maseera, an Abu Dhabi-based financial services firm, has acquired Egyptian fintech startup ADVA to expand its presence in North Africa. The deal will allow Maseera to enhance its consumer finance portfolio, increase access to flexible financial solutions, and tap into Egypt’s growing digital finance market.
ZabonEx raised $100,000 in pre-seed funding to develop advanced demand forecasting for Oman’s F&B sector, supporting profitability and sustainability. The startup plans regional expansion backed by enhanced technology and local partnerships.
At GITEX Global 2024, Nedaa will showcase its mission-critical technology solutions powered by its advanced 4G network. The event will highlight innovations such as smart wearables, drones, and radar systems, focusing on public safety and emergency response. Nedaa is also set to sign key partnerships with government entities.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a Temporary Mobile Registration System for overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals. Visitors can register their mobile devices online for up to 120 days without any fees, ensuring seamless connectivity during their stay. This initiative supports Pakistan’s digital transformation efforts.
Qatar’s e-services market is expected to grow significantly, driven by digital transformation and increased online usage. The online service market is forecasted to generate $1.628 billion by 2025, with steady growth through 2029. The online food delivery sector is also projected to see significant revenue growth in the coming years.
Dialog Axiata has launched the India-Asia-Xpress (IAX) submarine cable system, enhancing Sri Lanka’s global connectivity. The project, part of a USD 100 million investment, connects Sri Lanka to India, Singapore, and beyond, supporting the growing demand for 5G, AI, and advanced data services with improved network reliability.
Kaspersky will provide AFRIPOL with crucial cyber threat data to improve forensic analysis and response capabilities.
VEON has appointed Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, and Evgeniy Nastradin, CEO of Beeline Kazakhstan, to its Group Executive Committee (GEC), effective January 1, 2025. Their appointments will bolster VEON’s digital services growth strategy and market alignment, contributing to the company’s ambitious expansion plans.
South Korea’s SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus have enabled RCS messaging on iPhones via iOS 26, bringing group chats, high-quality media sharing, read receipts, and business brand profiles to Apple users for the first time. The update boosts interoperability, convenience, and trust in digital communications nationwide.
Oman’s SMEs are rapidly digitalising, using AI, cloud, blockchain, and e-commerce platforms to drive growth and efficiency. Experts stress that digitalisation is essential for competitiveness, enabling even small firms to reach international markets.