Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bahrain is reaffirming its leadership in advancing the Arab digital economy, positioning digital transformation as a driver of regional integration, trade growth, and sustainable development. Through parliamentary engagement, the Kingdom is championing infrastructure, innovation, and policy alignment to help Arab economies adapt to rapid global change.
Jordan’s internet usage reached 95.6% in 2024, surpassing Arab and global averages. Daily use stands at 94.8%, with 11 million users nationwide. Mobile and smartphone adoption continues to rise, while landlines decline. The survey highlights rapid digital transformation across households, devices, and connectivity platforms.
BTCL has reduced registration and renewal fees for .bd second- and third-level domains by 36 percent, making national web addresses more affordable. The revised pricing lowers costs for startups, businesses, and individuals seeking an online presence, while continuing to operate under existing BTRC regulations.
Jazz introduces ‘JazzWorld’ as new corporate group identity
Telecom operator Jazz has unveiled JazzWorld as its new corporate group identity, signaling a strategic shift that brings its expanding portfolio of digital and non-telecom businesses under a single umbrella.
The move mirrors global technology rebrands such as Facebook’s transition to Meta and Twitter’s evolution into X, where parent identities were redefined to reflect broader ambitions beyond their original platforms, while core consumer brands remained intact.
Jazz said JazzWorld represents its transformation from a traditional telecom operator into a multi-business group spanning digital services, financial platforms, lifestyle applications, health tech, cloud, and emerging technologies. Under the new structure, Jazz will continue to operate as the group’s core telecom brand within existing legal and regulatory frameworks, while JazzWorld becomes the overarching corporate identity.
Entities grouped under JazzWorld include JazzCash, Mobilink Bank, Tamasha, ROX, Simosa, Garaj, Teknosys, ApnaClinic, ZARR, and FikrFree, alongside newer growth areas such as data centres, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
As part of the restructuring, Jazz announced the creation of a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer role, appointing Aamer Ejaz to lead the function. The company also confirmed that its Chief Information Security Officer will now report directly to the CEO, reflecting an elevated governance focus on cybersecurity.
The rebrand does not alter Jazz’s status as a licensed telecom operator. The Jazz brand will remain responsible for connectivity services, while JazzWorld serves as the corporate architecture for the group’s broader digital ambitions.
Further details on how the JazzWorld identity will be reflected across platforms and products are expected in the coming weeks.
Nepal has launched the Global Accounting Initiative to turn professional services into a major export sector. The programme targets 50,000 jobs annually, NRs80 billion in service exports, and a full ecosystem of digital infrastructure, skills training, and regulatory reform to position Nepali accountants in global markets.
Egypt’s mobile device production rose to over 10 million units in 2025, driven by increased local manufacturing and foreign investment. The ICT sector continues to deliver strong growth, job creation, and export expansion, while Egypt advances in digital governance, 5G deployment, and emerging technologies to support its broader digital transformation agenda.
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.
Saudi Arabia’s telecom sector generated nearly $21.5 billion in revenues in the first nine months of 2025, with profits rising 5.72% as digital adoption surged. stc accounted for 80% of total sector profits, while Mobily and Zain KSA delivered strong growth. Demand for 5G, cloud services, IoT and AI continues to drive expansion, supported by Vision 2030’s digital transformation agenda.
Morocco’s cybersecurity market has reached $1.2 billion, supported by rising cyber threats, national security reforms and widespread digitalization. Demand is shifting toward MDR and SOC services as organizations seek round-the-clock monitoring and faster response capabilities. While government agencies and financial institutions lead spending, the sector faces a talent shortage and high deployment costs. Continued growth is expected as cybersecurity becomes a core business priority.
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.