Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
HCLTech will drive AI-focused telecom discussions at MWC 2026, highlighting AI-native architectures, autonomous networks and ecosystem collaboration. With global partners and industry leaders, the company will showcase live demos and survey insights, positioning AI, cloud and digital engineering as key enablers of sustainable growth in the telecom sector.
M-Pesa Ethiopia and Gebeya have launched the Dala AI Bundle, enabling Ethiopians to access and pay for localized AI creation tools via mobile wallets. The service supports app building, AI agents, and content in local languages, expanding inclusive digital innovation and empowering creators nationwide through trusted mobile payments.
Egypt will host the Middle East and Africa’s first all-AI global summit in February, bringing over 350 companies and innovators to Cairo. The event supports Egypt’s national AI strategy, highlights its regional leadership, and connects local innovation with global markets across sectors from cloud and telecom to healthcare and fintech.
Algeria’s Sid Ali Zerrouki has joined the Africa Artificial Intelligence Council, formed by the Smart Africa Alliance. His appointment places Algeria at the heart of continental AI policy, contributing to strategy, governance and collaboration as African nations align on digital transformation and technological sovereignty.
MENA’s IT spending will rise 8.9% to $169 billion in 2026, driven by AI investments and data center expansion. Software and IT services growth reflect deep integration of generative AI, with CIOs urged to embed AI strategically to maintain competitive advantage.