Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The DCO’s Digital Economy Trends 2026 report projects the digital economy will reach $28 trillion next year, growing three times faster than the global economy. Cybersecurity and AI-led transformation are identified as the most impactful forces shaping economic growth, inclusion, and resilience.
Zong has announced a comprehensive AI+ Plan aligned with China Mobile’s global strategy and Pakistan’s National AI Policy 2025. The initiative focuses on intelligent infrastructure, AI-driven network evolution, and a centralized AI capabilities hub to support scalable deployment, enterprise innovation, and the country’s broader digital transformation.
Pakistan’s digital transformation is gaining momentum as Zong launches its AI+ Plan aligned with China Mobile’s global AI strategy and Pakistan’s National AI Policy 2025. The initiative focuses on responsible AI deployment, infrastructure development, innovation ecosystems, and international collaboration to support sustainable economic and technological growth.
ABB has opened a major AI-focused digital training and customer experience center in Dubai to support the Middle East’s growing need for skilled engineers in electrification, predictive maintenance, and digital energy management. The $2 million facility will train 2,000 professionals annually, helping the UAE strengthen energy resilience, modernize infrastructure, and meet rising electricity demand through advanced, sustainable technologies.
Magna AI, backed by Trend Micro and Wistron Digital Technology Holding Company, is expanding its operations in Saudi Arabia to meet rising enterprise AI demand and support Vision 2030. The company is building sovereign AI systems, launching major regional initiatives, enhancing cybersecurity capabilities, and enabling national-scale AI adoption across government, energy, finance, healthcare, and smart city sectors.
NVIDIA is targeting Morocco as a priority market after launching its first African AI factory in South Africa through partner Cassava Technologies. A delegation visited Rabat to assess opportunities as the company plans further expansion across Egypt, Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria. Analysts cite Morocco’s proximity to Europe, strong digital ambitions and supportive policy environment, though experts note that advanced skills, cloud capacity and incentive frameworks are crucial to securing major AI investments.
Morocco’s digital transition minister Amal El Fellah Seghrouchni warned at the MeDays Southern Forum that Africa risks deep digital dependence unless it builds sovereign capabilities in AI, data centers, chips and cybersecurity. Highlighting Morocco’s investments in sovereign cloud infrastructure, data embassies, and startup support, she urged African nations to strengthen local tech ecosystems to avoid relying on foreign algorithms and infrastructure. The discussion emphasized balancing digital progress with sovereignty, security and long-term resilience.
Jordan-based VC firm Propeller has launched a $50 million Fund III dedicated to horizontal AI infrastructure and AI-native applications. Operating across MENA and the US, the fund aims to connect regional talent with Silicon Valley while supporting US startups entering Middle Eastern markets. Propeller has already made five US-focused investments this year and has backed 30+ startups across its earlier funds, solidifying its position as a cross-border AI investor.
Egypt forecasts that AI will contribute 7.7% to its GDP by 2030, supported by major investments in digital infrastructure and a national plan to train 30,000 specialists. The country’s US$490 million AI market is expanding across cybersecurity, renewable energy, and education. Experts say this holistic strategy will reinforce Egypt’s regional digital leadership and support long-term economic sustainability.
Saudi Arabia’s IT Minister Abdullah Al-Swaha met Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in the US to discuss collaboration in AI, metaverse, and digital innovation, reinforcing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for tech leadership.