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 steadily moving toward a technology-driven economy, with 32 Special Technology Zones, a forthcoming Digital Nation System, and large-scale youth skills programs, as ICTN Asia Expo highlights the country’s growing global tech presence and ambitions.
Pakistan will use ITCN Asia 2026 to showcase BYD, Samsung, and Google assembly initiatives, highlighting a strategic shift from tech services to localized manufacturing. Led by STZA and backed by SIFC, the pavilion positions Pakistan as a destination for electric vehicles, electronics, data centers, and technology-driven industrial growth.
Lenovo has appointed Tareq Alangari as Senior Vice President and President for the META region, strengthening its leadership across the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa. The move supports Lenovo’s focus on AI, cloud, and digital transformation aligned with major national development strategies.
Gaza’s remaining tech workers are struggling to stay online as Israel’s war devastates the enclave’s digital infrastructure. Coding offline, using solar power, and relying on rare connectivity, freelancers and technicians are fighting to preserve livelihoods and purpose amid widespread destruction and displacement.
Khalifa University and Gazprom Neft have established a technology partnership to advance education, research, and innovation in the energy sector. The collaboration enables student participation in international programs, joint research in AI and sustainability, and expanded academic exchange between the UAE and global institutions.
Thales and AIO have expanded their long-standing partnership to deepen Egypt’s technological sovereignty and strengthen its role as a regional innovation hub. The collaboration includes establishing Thales Academy, advancing defence systems, enhancing surveillance capabilities, and integrating AIO into Thales’ supply chain—reinforcing Egypt’s ability to develop and export high-value technologies.
Snap Inc. opened a new office in Doha’s Msheireb Downtown to strengthen Qatar’s creative economy and digital ecosystem. The move supports Qatar National Vision 2030, expands Snap’s MENA footprint, and follows plans for the region’s first AR Academy to empower local creators and innovators.
Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani called for stronger collaboration with Saudi Arabia in technology, AI, and education during the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, highlighting shared goals for innovation and economic transformation.
Egypt dominated the Afro-Asia Forum for Innovation and Technology in Malaysia, winning 68 awards and 19 first-place titles in key tech categories. The victory led to Egypt’s selection as host of the 2026 forum in Aswan. Backed by the Ministry of Communications and NTI, Egypt’s youth showcased global-caliber innovation in AI, robotics, and entrepreneurship — reinforcing the country’s leadership in digital transformation and regional innovation.
Islamabad’s new IT Park, backed by South Korea, is nearly complete and will host 120 startups to boost innovation, exports, and industry-academia collaboration under the Digital Pakistan vision.