Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The Tawakkalna app supports pilgrims during the 1446H Hajj by providing easy access to permits, verification via the Nusuk card, and helpful features like weather updates and prayer times. Developed by SDAIA, the app is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital strategy to enhance pilgrim services.
PTA’s Q1 2025 QoS survey found some Pakistani mobile operators underperforming on voice service KPIs in specific regions. Operators using advanced network tech such as VoLTE showed better results. PTA has called for corrective actions to improve service quality.
Supernet Secure Solutions, a subsidiary of Supernet Limited, has won multi-million dollar cybersecurity contracts with a top Pakistani telecom operator. This marks a key growth milestone and supports national data security efforts, enhancing Supernet’s leadership in Pakistan’s technology sector.
PTA is enforcing recovery of an $11.77 million late fee from Zong over delayed license renewal payments. Despite partial payments made under court order, the late fee remains unpaid, risking penalties or service disruption. Zong may appeal or settle to protect its operations in Pakistan’s telecom market.
Vodafone Egypt has launched nationwide 5G services, providing ultra-fast, reliable connectivity to consumers and businesses. Featuring innovative technology like the Adaptive Interference Free system, Vodafone’s rollout supports sectors from gaming to healthcare and aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 digital goals. The company offers 5G access to all customers at no extra cost, with plans for rapid coverage expansion.
Syria is negotiating with Gulf telecom firms for a $300 million fibre optic upgrade to boost connectivity and establish a strategic digital corridor. This follows growing foreign investment interest after U.S. sanctions easing, as Syria aims to rebuild critical infrastructure after years of conflict.
Mohamed Al Hakim left a career in London to nurture Iraq’s digital startup ecosystem through EQIQ, a venture capital fund investing in fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and edtech. Despite regulatory challenges, Iraq’s improving stability and growing entrepreneurship scene offer promising prospects for diversifying the economy beyond oil.
Egyptian startup Turuq offers SMEs a tech-enabled last-mile delivery platform combining automation, transparency, and operational efficiency. With strong customer retention and delivery success rates, Turuq is enhancing logistics reliability and helping e-commerce businesses focus on growth.
Egypt will launch 5G services on June 4 with four major operators investing USD 2.7 billion in licenses and spectrum. The move supports smart cities, healthcare innovation, and IoT growth, marking a pivotal step in Egypt’s digital transformation and strengthening its ICT global position.
AMTOB supports Bangladesh’s proposed 2025 Telecom Licensing Reform Policy, calling it a vital modernization effort. The association refutes concerns of bias, highlights inefficiencies in the current fragmented system, and welcomes the new licensing structure. AMTOB stresses that reform is essential for sector growth, better service quality, and national digital progress.