Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Saudi Arabia advances initiatives to address AI and computing challenges, emphasizing global collaboration for digital inclusivity. Minister Alswaha’s Geneva talks focus on partnerships in AI, digital governance, IP protection, and sustainable digital development.
MTN Group is advancing responsible AI across Africa with governance, scalable operations, and targeted use cases. The initiative includes a Responsible AI Policy, dedicated oversight, and an AI Centre of Excellence, aiming to boost innovation and human potential on the continent.
Pakistan has launched Data Vault, its first AI-focused and fully solar-powered data centre, offering secure, compliant, and green infrastructure for AI innovation. It supports startups, researchers, and government with GPU services, local AI models, and talent development aligned with the government’s digital economy goals.
Lenovo is expanding its AI-powered product range and market presence in Sri Lanka, introducing hybrid AI PCs and software designed for privacy and productivity. Supported by strong global partnerships and retail reach, Lenovo targets diverse user segments and aims to drive South Asia’s AI revolution through accessible and secure digital technology.
Oman ranks fourth among developing nations in attracting foreign investment for digital infrastructure projects from 2020 to 2024, reflecting its growing role as a regional technology hub. Through national initiatives like the AI and Advanced Digital Technologies Programme, Oman is accelerating its digital transformation and aiming for a significant increase in the digital economy’s contribution to GDP by 2040.
Morocco’s education and innovation leaders have launched a Graduate School of Engineering dedicated to digital transformation and AI, aiming to align academic programs with the country’s economic and technological development goals. This move strengthens specialized training to meet emerging sector demands.
KAIST and King Saud University are partnering to create a joint AI research institute focused on open-source AI development, joint degree programs, and multilateral collaboration. The initiative aims to combine Saudi Arabia’s resources with Korea’s AI expertise to foster inclusive, industry-relevant AI innovation across regions.
Moroccan ministries and partners signed MOUs to promote ethical AI use, including a strategic data center partnership between the Ministry of Digital Transition and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. The collaboration focuses on innovation, training, sustainability, and digital sovereignty to strengthen national capacity in data governance.
Qatar’s Ooredoo and the UAE’s du have launched sovereign AI cloud services hosted locally to provide secure, low-latency access to advanced AI computing power. Ooredoo’s platform, powered by Nvidia Hopper GPUs, and du’s “National Hypercloud,” built on Oracle Alloy infrastructure, aim to accelerate AI adoption in sectors like finance, healthcare, and smart cities. These sovereign clouds enable compliance with national data policies while fostering innovation among governments, startups, and enterprises.
SLT-MOBITEL Mobile and Redblocks AI have launched AI Pazz, Sri Lanka’s first AI-powered legal research platform, offering advanced tools and the largest digital legal library. The platform enhances research efficiency for law students and professionals, with exclusive discounts and free trials for SLT-MOBITEL customers.