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 and China launched a joint digital e-mining platform and signed new MoUs to boost transparency, coordination, and investment in Pakistan’s mineral sector, with a focus on value-added development, critical minerals, and flagship projects like Reko Diq.
Egypt is preparing to launch a new Maspero digital platform as part of a major media sector overhaul aimed at monetising archives, strengthening social media presence, and restructuring state-owned channels for long-term sustainability.
Oman has launched EV Group, a new digital platform that integrates EV charging, trip planning, and a marketplace for vehicles and accessories. Developed by Muscat AI Solutions, the app addresses key EV challenges, supports local businesses, and complements national EV infrastructure initiatives as adoption grows.
Oman’s Government Communication Centre held a meeting to explore global best practices for running digital platforms, focusing on transparency, engagement, and alignment with Oman Vision 2040. The initiative seeks to strengthen communication capacities, improve responsiveness, and ensure government platforms remain trusted and accessible information sources.
Pakistan’s telecom sector is pivoting from infrastructure-heavy models to digital platforms. Jazz’s sale of tower assets to Engro freed capital to invest in fintech, healthtech, and other digital services, aligning with global shifts driven by rising costs and changing consumer demand.
The “Anime in the Digital Space” session at the Digital Communication Conference highlighted the transformation of Japanese anime, focusing on its shift from traditional media to digital platforms. Streaming services like Netflix and Crunchyroll have played a pivotal role, while Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in anime supports cultural production and education initiatives.
Algeria and Oman have launched digital platforms to improve parental access to student performance information. Algeria’s “Espace des Parents d’Elèves” and Oman’s “Wilaya’s App” allow parents to monitor academic progress and examination results easily, enhancing communication between schools and families and fostering greater involvement in education.
Algeria and Oman have launched educational platforms ‘فضاء الأولياء’ and ‘تطبيق ولي الأمر’ to enhance communication between schools and parents. These platforms allow parents to track their children’s academic performance, access exam results, and monitor school activities, ensuring active involvement in their children’s educational progress for the 2024-2025 school year.
At the 8th REFRAM conference, HACA President Latifa Akharbach emphasized the need for digital platforms to take accountability for content moderation and user protection. She expressed concern over relaxed rules, particularly affecting African users, and called for greater commitment to fighting disinformation. A leadership transition marked the conference’s conclusion.