Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality has expanded its digital services to 206, aiming for over 400 in the near future. The Oun app and website have revolutionized municipal access, with 93% of transactions completed electronically and AI integration set to enhance future services.
Somalia partners with UNDP to boost digital governance, public service innovation, and infrastructure development, aiming to close its significant digital gap.
Bahrain’s Ministerial Committee for ICT, led by Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, convened to discuss advancements in the country’s digital transformation and consumer protection. The meeting highlighted Bahrain’s progress under royal directives, including initiatives to improve government service efficiency and strengthen e-commerce confidence through anti-fraud measures. Key agenda items included ICT projects in diplomacy, draft legislation for 2025, and a unified government website template. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing digital services for all citizens and residents.
Qatar is hosting the 2nd edition of the e-government workshop for the MENA region, focusing on digital transformation. The workshop aims to develop a regional methodology for evaluating the EGDI and enhance collaboration among countries to share best practices in digital governance, supporting Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030.
Crown Prince Hussein visited the Ministry of Digital Economy to discuss the National Council for Future Technology’s national data program. He emphasized the importance of accurate data registration, linking government databases, and enhancing digital infrastructure to optimize e-government services, along with supporting youth digital skills and government digital transformation efforts.
Absher, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior platform, processed over 430 million transactions in 2024, including ID renewals, passport services, residency permits, and vehicle-related operations. It also facilitated over 26 million transactions on its business portal, supporting digital transformation and enhancing government service delivery across the country.
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.
Algeria is fast-tracking its digital transformation with over 500 projects planned for 2025-2026 under the ‘Digital Algeria 2030’ initiative. The strategy aims to modernize public services, improve transparency, and streamline governance, positioning the country as a regional leader in digital innovation and governance.
Algeria is set to accelerate its digital transformation with the launch of over 500 projects by 2026, focusing on modernizing public services. These initiatives align with the “Digital Algeria 2030” strategy, aiming to enhance e-governance and improve access to services, positioning Algeria as a regional digital leader.
Morocco and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in government digital transition. The partnership, signed at the UN Internet Governance Forum, focuses on adopting new e-government technologies, sharing best practices, and developing specialized skills to enhance the digital infrastructure and technical partnerships between the two countries.