Morocco, Kenya, and Nigeria have partnered to launch the African Artificial Intelligence Council in 2025, aiming to promote AI for the public good. The initiative, part of Smart Africa’s digital agenda, will drive innovation, accelerate Africa’s digital economy, and address key challenges to AI adoption across the continent.
Microsoft’s AI Tour arrived in Cairo to demonstrate AI’s impact on Egypt’s digital transformation. The event, coinciding with Microsoft’s 30th anniversary in Egypt, showcased AI’s role in enhancing productivity and public services. It aligns with Egypt’s AI Strategy (2025-2030) and highlights Microsoft’s commitment to fostering innovation across sectors.
LAHINT and EBANAH have signed an MoU at the LEAP 2025 conference to enhance government service automation in Saudi Arabia and Oman. The partnership focuses on cloud computing, AI, and automation technologies, supporting both nations’ digital transformation efforts while aiming for significant revenue growth over the next three years.
stc Group and Ooredoo Oman have signed an agreement to launch the Saudi-Omani Network Infrastructure Corridor (SONIC), aimed at boosting regional connectivity and digital transformation. The initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030, linking the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea, with a focus on high-capacity solutions and economic growth.
Pakistan has established 43 Software Technology Parks (STPs) across the country, housing over 350 IT firms and employing 18,000 professionals. The government is developing major IT parks in Karachi and Islamabad to further strengthen the ICT sector, creating thousands of jobs and boosting IT exports. A digital transformation strategy is underway.
SAL Logistics has partnered with stc Group to enhance logistics operations in Saudi Arabia by integrating AI and IoT technologies. This collaboration aims to improve tracking, warehouse automation, and shipment monitoring, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and positioning it as a global logistics hub through digital transformation.
ServiceNow has expanded its MEA partner ecosystem by partnering with Saudi-based Solutions by STC and global integrator Customizo. This collaboration aims to drive digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, supporting Vision 2030 objectives. New AI-powered solutions will enhance productivity, helping businesses meet the Kingdom’s ambitious goals for innovation.
Mobily has committed $905 million to bolster Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure, focusing on data centres and submarine cables. This investment, announced at LEAP 2025, aims to support the Kingdom’s digital transformation and meet growing demand for advanced digital services like AI and data analytics.
The Jordan Maritime Commission (JMC) signed 16 agreements in 2024 to issue IMO-compliant safety certificates, enhancing maritime operations. The JMC also introduced digital services, reducing ship entry permit processing time, and signed an MoU with the UAE on mutual recognition of maritime certificates. The maritime sector continues to evolve with digital initiatives.
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) will hold its fourth General Assembly in Jordan on February 19, 2025. The event will focus on strengthening digital cooperation, promoting innovation, and overcoming challenges in the digital economy. It will include the Digital Prosperity Awards and the inaugural International Digital Cooperation Forum.
