Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan showcased its growing IT sector at Web Summit Qatar 2025, with a dedicated pavilion highlighting the country’s tech innovations. The event fostered international partnerships and business opportunities, paving the way for stronger collaborations between Pakistani and Qatari tech companies, boosting Pakistan’s global tech presence.
The UAE Ministry of Economy has launched a National Digital Platform to track the prices of essential commodities. The platform provides real-time data on goods like oil, eggs, and sugar, allowing officials to monitor prices and ensure compliance with established price ceilings, supporting market stability and consumer protection.
Sri Lanka will transition to digital TV to free up spectrum space for 5G deployment. The government is also constructing 276 towers to enhance broadband connectivity and support 5G rollout. A proposal for the establishment of a Digital Economy Authority is part of the country’s goal to expand its digital economy.
Sri Lanka will introduce mobile number portability in June, allowing users to retain their numbers when switching operators. The Ministry of Digital Economy is also building 50 new mobile towers to improve connectivity. Other topics discussed include cryptocurrency regulation, personal data protection, and emerging technologies like AI.
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) announced the winners of the 2025 Digital Prosperity Awards, recognizing exceptional initiatives in digital transformation. The awards celebrated achievements in innovation, digital advancement, and societal empowerment across multiple countries. Two flagship awards were presented to NeuroTech from Jordan and SPARK from The Netherlands.
Algeria Telecom and Huawei have launched the national 400G WDM project, creating a high-speed, all-optical network to accelerate Algeria’s digital economy. This ultra-fast network will improve bandwidth, support emerging industries, and enhance public services, helping the country move toward a more digital and intelligent future.
Dubai Internet City has contributed AED100 billion to Dubai’s GDP over the past 15 years, driving innovation and supporting the growth of the tech sector. The district has created over 125,000 jobs and attracted more than 4,000 businesses. It remains a key driver of Dubai’s digital economy and sustainability initiatives.
PTCL Group, in partnership with Pink Collar, hosted the Pink Collar Women Career Fair in Lahore, aiming to bridge gaps between talent and opportunities for Pakistani women. The event showcased PTCL’s women empowerment initiative, ‘Dil Se Ba-Ikhtiar,’ and launched Pakistan’s first online job portal dedicated to women.
Malaysia and Bahrain are set to sign several collaborations, including in Islamic fintech, by May this year. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted key areas such as fintech, education, and bilateral investments, emphasizing the importance of research and cooperation to enhance capabilities in digital and energy transitions.
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) concluded its fourth general assembly in Amman, signing memorandums of understanding with key global partners. The event highlighted Jordan’s leadership in advancing the digital economy and marked the transition of presidency to Kuwait for 2025, with a continued focus on inclusive digital growth.