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
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Pakistan’s Minister of IT and Telecom, emphasized the need for ethical AI, data privacy, and global cooperation at Leap 2025 in Riyadh. She discussed Pakistan’s commitment to ethical AI governance, highlighted the importance of bridging the digital divide, and presented the “Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024.”
Ooredoo and DE-CIX have launched Doha IX, Qatar’s first standalone commercial Internet Exchange. This partnership enhances connectivity, reduces costs, and supports Qatar’s digital transformation, providing businesses with efficient access to global content providers and improved network performance, in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake launched three major digital initiatives: GovPay for government payments, the expansion of President’s Fund services to Divisional Secretariats, and the eBMD system for certificate issuance through embassies. These projects are key steps toward modernizing the nation’s digital infrastructure.
The African Cybersecurity Forum opened in Rabat to address cybersecurity challenges in Africa. With discussions on AI, digital resilience, and critical infrastructure protection, the forum emphasizes the need for pan-African collaboration. Morocco’s commitment to digital security and leadership in the field is central to the event’s focus.
Celona has partnered with stc Group to launch private 5G solutions aimed at enhancing wireless connectivity for businesses. This collaboration will streamline automation, reduce costs, and enable faster deployment of new services across sectors like oil and gas, logistics, and manufacturing in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Iraq is advancing its digital transformation efforts through significant government service reforms. The Ministry of Finance has achieved a 94% completion rate in service simplification, with a focus on digital initiatives like the “Service Platform.” The country’s goal for 2025 is a fully digital public sector.
Meta AI has expanded to the Middle East and North Africa, offering users in key markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt access to a powerful AI assistant through Meta’s apps. It includes features like image generation, real-time suggestions, and Arabic support, with future updates on the horizon.
The TechShift Summit 2025 in Cairo will bring together over 5,000 tech professionals, students, and companies for a day of learning, networking, and career opportunities. The event will focus on digital transformation, AI, and sustainability, bridging the skills gap and encouraging women’s participation in the tech industry.
Egypt has emerged as the top African country in fixed internet speed, driven by its digital transformation efforts. The country has also seen growth in digital service exports and outsourcing, alongside investments in AI and digital skills development. Egypt’s ongoing progress is positioning it as a digital leader in Africa.
Grameenphone Ltd reported strong financials in 2024, with a 60% EBITDA margin and a 20% profit margin. However, subscriber losses and economic challenges, including inflation and increased taxes, pressured growth. The company made strides in digitalization and sustainability, with significant investments in CapEx and renewable energy.