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 leads globally in mobile shopping with two-thirds of purchases via smartphones but faces high payment failures and friction, despite advanced infrastructure under Vision 2030. The kingdom’s digital payment adoption is strong, yet user experience issues reveal gaps needing urgent attention for seamless cashless transition.
Oman ranked fourth globally among developing economies for ICT infrastructure FDI from 2020–2024, attracting $1.7 billion. Driven by the National Digital Economy Programme and AI initiatives, Oman aims to boost digital skills, AI research, and grow its digital economy’s GDP share to 10% by 2040.
Pakistan has taken a major step in regulating its digital assets ecosystem by establishing the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA). This new independent body will license and oversee virtual asset providers, enforce AML protocols, and align with global standards. The move reflects Pakistan’s ambitions to become a South Asian digital assets hub following recent crypto policy developments.
Morocco is investing $26 million in Rabat Gaming City, launching training programs and a developer hub to combat youth unemployment and double gaming revenue by 2030. The Morocco Gaming Expo showcased global games and e-sports, highlighting Morocco’s goal to become Africa’s creative gaming hub.
Egypt and Thailand strengthened ICT collaboration via a networking event in Cairo, promoting B2B connections and supporting both countries’ digital transformation and software industry globalization goals.
Google’s 2024 Economic Impact Report estimates $8.3 billion in Saudi Arabia’s digital economy from its products and services. With broad adoption of AI tools like Gemini and strong developer growth, Google is fueling digital skills, job creation, and economic diversification aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Jordan Source and IFC hosted a three-day tour for global tech leaders to showcase Jordan’s growing digital economy and outsourcing capabilities. Featuring industry panels, site visits, and cultural experiences, the event highlighted Jordan’s innovation ecosystem, skilled talent, and strategic role in regional technology and fintech growth.
Wipro relocates its Middle East HQ to Riyadh and partners with PMU to launch a Center of Excellence aimed at developing local tech talent. This strategic move supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital goals and reinforces Wipro’s commitment to sustained regional growth.
Pakistan’s Ignite freelance training programs have generated $1.65 billion and trained 4.6 million students, but lawmakers call for increased female participation to at least 50%. Ignite plans course expansions including AI, while oversight continues over PTCL’s leadership and sector developments.
Saudi Arabia’s digital economy grew to 15.6% of GDP in 2023, driven by strong ICT sector performance. ICT imports increased by 19.9%, exports surged 76.1%, and smart device adoption reached 71.6% of connected establishments, highlighting the kingdom’s advancing digital transformation and economic diversification.