Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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 is implementing a digital fuel subsidy program using 24,000 mobile phones deployed across 12,000 petrol stations. The system uses QR codes and a dedicated app to provide a monthly 20-30 liter petrol quota to eligible motorcyclists, ensuring targeted financial relief and preventing the unauthorized distribution of subsidized fuel.
Egypt has approved its 2025–2030 National AI Strategy, focusing on cross-sector integration and the launch of a new open data policy to empower startups. The plan includes AI safety guidelines for children and a partnership with UNESCO to train government personnel across Africa. By seeking membership in global committees like CDNET, Egypt aims to cement its role as a regional hub for data and innovation.
Indus AI Week demonstrated strategic intent and governance awareness. Whether the Islamabad AI Declaration becomes a credible national blueprint will depend on budgets, institutional depth, regulatory clarity, and measurable public outcomes.
The amendment represents a notable policy shift, positioning Bangladesh toward a governance model that prioritizes transparency, regulatory accountability, and the protection of digital connectivity as a foundation for economic and social development in the digital age.
Algeria has enacted a presidential decree mandating dedicated cybersecurity units across public institutions to counter rising digital threats. The framework enforces independent governance, risk mapping, audits, and incident reporting, following a year in which the country recorded over 70 million cyberattacks.
Jordan recorded measurable improvements across more than 20 global indicators, driven by progress in digital government, innovation, competitiveness, and economic resilience. Gains in global rankings highlight stronger public services, governance, inflation control, and digital workforce development.
Pakistan has launched its most sweeping cybersecurity reform through the World Bank–backed DEEP project, calling for a full review of national cyber readiness across government and industry. The upgrade includes revising the 2021 national policy, drafting a new Cybersecurity Act, enhancing workforce skills and aligning with global standards to strengthen national digital resilience.
Pakistan is creating its first dedicated Cybersecurity Authority under the new National Cyber Security Act, aligning with NCSP-2021 and DEEP initiatives. With key systems already designated as Critical Information Infrastructure, the authority will centralize cyber defense, enhance response coordination, and strengthen national digital resilience through unified standards and governance.
UNESCO has released its AI Readiness Assessment Report for Bahrain, recognising the Kingdom’s strong digital governance, ethical AI initiatives, and inclusive transformation efforts. The report highlights Bahrain’s progress in national AI policy, innovation programmes, and institutional capacity, while offering recommendations to further strengthen ethical, people-centred AI adoption in line with Bahrain Vision 2030.
Sri Lanka is overhauling its electronic visa system to enhance digital sovereignty, improve security, and streamline traveler services. The revamped Mobitel-managed ETA platform focuses on scalability, fraud prevention, and transparent governance, reinforcing tourism recovery and the nation’s broader digital transformation agenda.