Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Amber IT is deploying 500 Wi-Fi zones across Bangladesh in 2026, offering free access to its subscribers and low-cost coupons for others. Partnering with small businesses like tea stalls for hosting, the project aims to support students and freelancers while enhancing digital inclusion in both urban and rural public spaces.
Algeria is undergoing scheduled maintenance on the critical SMW4 submarine cable on March 10-11, 2026. Aimed at the power supply system, the work may cause temporary internet disruptions between Annaba and Palermo. Authorities have activated alternative routes to ensure service continuity and emphasize the intervention’s role in long-term network reliability.
PM Adviser Rehan Asad has unveiled a 30-year ICT roadmap for Bangladesh, prioritizing high-speed connectivity, digital sovereignty, and AI adoption. Key initiatives include free airport Wi-Fi by Eid, a review of 2025 telecom policies, and a crackdown on illegal devices to attract FDI. The plan aims to create 1 million tech-related jobs.
VEON’s Jazz secured 190 MHz in Pakistan’s 5G auction, the largest share among bidders, for approximately $239.5 million. The auction tripled the nation’s available spectrum, enabling Jazz to enhance 4G quality and launch 5G services in major cities by late 2026, supporting a transition to AI-driven digital services for 100 million users.
LTT and ZTE signed a landmark MoU at MWC26 to modernize Libya’s telecommunications and expand 4G/5G coverage. The partnership targets digital financial services, e-commerce, and high-performance hardware like FWA to bridge the digital divide. This strategic move aims to underpin Libya’s economic reconstruction through enhanced connectivity and a diversified digital ecosystem.
Pakistan raised $507 million in its inaugural 5G auction, with Jazz, Ufone, and Zong acquiring 480 MHz of spectrum. The move doubles national capacity, heralding faster 4G within months and 5G rollouts by late 2026. Notably, Pakistan also became the first Asian nation to eliminate right-of-way charges for fiber.
Jordan imported 389,000 tablets in 2025, valued at JD58 million. Despite a 75,000-unit decrease in volume compared to 2024, the total value rose due to average device prices surging from JD97 to JD149. The Association (Vision) attributes this to higher manufacturing costs in global production hubs.
SPARK and Nokia have signed a strategic MoU to accelerate innovation and talent development in Sharjah. The partnership introduces the “Tech Matchmaker” platform and specialized masterclasses to connect innovators with industry partners. This collaboration aims to strengthen the regional ecosystem through knowledge exchange, capacity-building programs, and advanced network infrastructure expertise.
Oman has digitized 2,000+ government services, driving a 78% surge in digital transactions for 2025. Ranking 18th globally for digital growth, the Sultanate aims for the digital economy to reach 10% of GDP by 2040. This transformation, central to Oman Vision 2040, emphasizes ICT investment and national workforce development.
EDGE Group has launched the first BR71 MK II Combattante corvette for the Angolan Navy, part of a €1 billion defense contract. The project includes high-speed interceptors and HT-100 NAVAL unmanned helicopters. This partnership between the UAE, France, and Angola focuses on maritime security through advanced technology and local manufacturing.