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 broader WARDIP programme was launched in November 2023 to expand internet access and promote a single digital market in West Africa. Its first phase is currently supporting The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania.
Oman has launched its 2026–2030 digital strategy, featuring regional tech centres, a national AI decision-making platform, and local server manufacturing. Building on 2,200 already-digitized services, the Sultanate aims for 10% digital GDP contribution by 2040, focusing on cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and national data sovereignty to drive economic diversification.
Oman’s digital economy is entering a high-growth phase, contributing approximately RO 800 million to the GDP as of 2023. This progress stems from the National Digital Economy Programme (2021–2025), which focused on foundational infrastructure, including 100% residential high-speed broadband coverage and significant investments in AI (RO 79m+).
Oman’s MTCIT has launched its 2026-2030 digital economy roadmap, focusing on regional transformation centers, national AI platforms, and local cloud infrastructure manufacturing. Building on 2,200 already digitized services, the plan aims to enhance financial independence and technical sovereignty while driving the digital sector toward a 10% GDP contribution by 2040.
The initiative represents a successful transition from traditional economic models to those anchored in innovation and data. By prioritizing digital government services and fostering a high-growth environment, Oman is positioning itself as a regional leader in technical maturity, aiming to capture a significant share of the projected $28 trillion global digital economy.
Pakistani freelancers earned $557 million in six months, driven by strong global demand for tech services and supportive policy reforms. With 2.37 million professionals contributing, the country’s digital workforce is accelerating IT exports and positioning freelancing as a key pillar of Pakistan’s economic growth.
GITEX AFRICA Morocco will return to Marrakech from April 7 to 9, 2026, placing artificial intelligence at the center of discussions on sovereign digital growth. The event aims to advance public policy, scale high-impact solutions, and strengthen cross-border cooperation across Africa’s digital economy.
Pakistan’s IT minister has welcomed the partnership between Fasset and Habib Rafiq Limited, highlighting its potential to expand financial inclusion, enable asset tokenisation, and attract global investment into Pakistan’s digital economy while supporting freelancers and fintech innovation.
The Digital Cooperation Organization’s fifth General Assembly in Kuwait is bringing together global policymakers, industry leaders, and international organizations to advance collaboration on inclusive digital transformation and AI-driven economic growth across member states.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan agreed to form a Joint Working Group on IT and Digital Economy to boost cooperation in digital infrastructure, e-governance, and skills development. The move expands bilateral ties beyond trade into emerging technologies while supporting SMEs, pharmaceuticals, and broader economic collaboration.