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 Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, held a meeting to discuss the Personal Data Protection Bill, Starlink operations, and telecom companies’ revenues. The Committee also reviewed the performance of the Telecom Foundation and its future direction in line with government policies.
Oman’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has launched a programme to integrate 4IR technologies into the industrial sector. The initiative aims to enhance global competitiveness, improve factory efficiency, reduce costs, and create job opportunities, aligning with Oman’s Industrial Strategy 2040 and Vision 2040.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MoHERI) in Oman has partnered with Digital Talent Company to implement a change management framework as part of the national digital transformation plan. This initiative aims to promote a culture of digital change and enhance operational efficiency in government institutions, aligning with Vision 2040.
Vodafone has captured 10% of the Omani mobile market since its entry in 2022, largely due to its investments in network quality, competitive pricing, and strong digital strategies. The company leads in 4G speeds and has gained market share through customer churn, particularly from Omantel, with a focus on 5G services.
MTN Nigeria has been granted a 10-year extension for its 800MHz spectrum license by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This renewal solidifies MTN’s position in the market, enhances service quality, and ensures better connectivity for consumers. The decision supports the company’s growth strategy amid economic challenges.
Nigeria’s telecom companies face a 50% tariff increase approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The hike will raise the cost of calls and data bundles, adding pressure on Nigerians already struggling with inflation and rising living costs.
eSewa celebrates its 16th anniversary in 2025, marking its pivotal role in transforming Nepal’s digital economy. From a beta launch in 2010, it now offers over 2,000 services, impacting millions of users. Future plans include saving and investment options, enhanced fraud detection, and expanding financial inclusion across Nepal.
Morocco has launched the Morocco Fintech Center (MFC) to support fintech startups and enhance its digital economy. The center will offer mentoring, business incubation, and regulatory guidance, aiming to foster the growth of 1,000 certified startups by 2026 and 3,000 by 2030, with a target of raising $696.6 million by 2030.
Moroccan surgeon Youness Ahallal made history by performing the world’s first intercontinental robotic prostatectomy, remotely conducting the surgery from Shanghai while a team in Casablanca assisted. This breakthrough in telesurgery promises to improve healthcare access, reduce inequalities, and enhance surgical expertise across remote regions.
Es’hailSat has signed a multi-year deal with Morocco’s SNRT to provide Direct-to-Home services, Digital Terrestrial Television transponder, and video contribution via its Es’hail-1 satellite. This partnership boosts SNRT’s signal coverage across the Middle East and North Africa, enhancing access to quality Moroccan content regionally.