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 advanced its AI and digital transformation agenda in 2025 through major policy initiatives, global technology events, and government-wide AI adoption programs. These efforts strengthened national readiness, improved public-sector efficiency, and reinforced Qatar’s position as a regional and global leader in advanced technologies.
Pakistan’s telecom sector crossed 200 million subscribers in FY2024–25, with revenues exceeding Rs1 trillion and broadband penetration surpassing 60%. Investment growth, expanded 4G coverage, rising data consumption, and increased local device manufacturing reinforced the sector’s role in Pakistan’s digital economy.
Oman’s telecom subscriptions exceeded 8 million by November 2025, driven by strong growth in mobile, fibre broadband, and IoT connections. The data reflects rising digital adoption, expanding fibre infrastructure, and a clear shift away from legacy fixed technologies.
Pakistan plans to auction 600 MHz of new spectrum to improve mobile services and launch 5G for the first time. The government says limited spectrum availability has constrained digital growth and that the auction will unlock economic potential and support nationwide digitisation.
Morocco has cut import duties on mobile phones to 2.5 percent and introduced VAT exemptions on pasta and other essential goods under its 2026 Finance Law. The measures aim to ease consumer prices, support key sectors, and strengthen customs enforcement.
Kuwait has introduced a new mobile number portability framework allowing users to switch operators while keeping their numbers. The regulation promotes competition, strengthens consumer rights, and modernizes telecom operations under CITRA oversight.
IATA has called on global telecom regulators to set permanent safeguards ensuring 5G and 6G networks do not interfere with aircraft systems. With temporary mitigations nearing expiry, the aviation industry warns that clear global rules are needed to protect flight safety across all phases of operation.
Bangladesh rewrote its telecom policy in 2025, introducing new licensing rules, surveillance reforms, and satellite internet entry. While the reset addressed long-standing issues, concerns remain over foreign ownership caps, regulatory independence, and competitive balance.
A temporary permit for Facebook’s Free Basics service in Egypt expired, leading to the suspension of the initiative on Etisalat’s network. Officials said the decision was administrative and not related to national security, despite Facebook highlighting its impact on first-time internet users.
VEON will invest $20 million in Mobilink Bank to scale MSME financing and expand digital Islamic banking in Pakistan. The move builds on earlier funding and reinforces VEON’s confidence in the country’s fast-growing digital financial services ecosystem.