Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Across the Gulf, grassroots Web3 communities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Bahrain are driving real adoption through meetups, hackathons, and hands-on collaboration. These gatherings lower barriers, deepen skills, and connect developers with institutional players, making them a powerful force shaping the region’s next wave of digital innovation beyond regulation and investment.
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain signed nine agreements during the fourth Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council meeting in Manama, covering nuclear safety, taxation, education, investment, competition policy, sustainable development, transportation and the non-profit sector. The two Crown Princes reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and agreed to deepen cooperation across key strategic areas, with the next meeting in Saudi Arabia.
Algeria has launched its first green tech-focused TISC network, supported by WIPO, INAPI and leading research institutions. The initiative aims to strengthen sustainable innovation, connect Algerian inventors to global partners through WIPO GREEN, and build an ecosystem for climate-focused technologies. Stakeholders agreed on future collaboration, training programs and acceleration projects.
Algeria has reviewed its national e-commerce strategy and progress on major infrastructure projects during a meeting chaired by PM Sifi Ghrieb. The government discussed digital trade development, satellite-based rural connectivity, railway expansion, sports infrastructure, and critical water projects — all aimed at accelerating economic competitiveness and national modernisation.
Algeria has advanced major digital and infrastructure plans following a government meeting led by PM Sifi Ghrieb. The review covered the national e-commerce strategy, new satellite communication services for rural connectivity, and progress on major infrastructure projects including railways, dams, sports complexes, and water transfer systems—supporting the country’s broader modernization agenda.
Algeria has launched a national digital platform for reporting corruption in social services, enabling citizens and officials to submit evidence, track cases, and file anonymous complaints. Backed by nearly 9,500 trained public agents, the tool supports the country’s anti-corruption strategy, though its effectiveness will depend on enforcement, transparency, and whistleblower protection.
Pakistan’s USF has approved Rs13.05bn for nine new projects to expand high-speed broadband and fiber connectivity to 5.55 million rural residents. The NGBSD and OFC initiatives span multiple provinces, strengthening national fiberisation, supporting digital inclusion, and enhancing access to education, health, and IT opportunities in underserved regions.
Kajeet has partnered with Inseego to power its SmartFailover business continuity service using the FX3110 5G FWA router. The solution provides automatic multi-carrier failover, enterprise security, single-pane management, and rapid deployment. With rising enterprise dependence on FWA, the collaboration strengthens reliable, always-on connectivity for organisations across distributed sites.
Microsoft has surpassed its goal of connecting 100 million Africans, now reaching 117 million through diverse partnerships and technologies. The company’s next phase focuses on digital skills, blended finance, and measurable economic impact, supported by initiatives such as its new African Development Bank partnership targeting agriculture, SME growth, and connectivity gaps.
BSCL has signed agreements to deploy Starlink internet across schools in Khagrachhari, Bandarban, and Rangamati, improving digital access in Bangladesh’s hill districts. Starlink terminals will enable online learning and virtual classes for remote students. Installations are underway, with an initial rollout to 100 schools and a target of 450.