Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
Airtel Africa increased cumulative share buybacks to 40.93 million shares under its $100 million programme, reinforcing capital returns to shareholders. The cancelled shares reduce voting rights and support per-share metrics, reflecting management confidence while sustaining investment across the group’s African operations.
Libya Telecom and Technology Company confirmed ongoing DDoS attacks on its systems, saying emergency response measures were activated immediately to contain the impact. The company said essential services remain operational as monitoring and mitigation efforts continue.
PTA has started issuing district-level class licences for internet services to boost broadband access and local entrepreneurship. The 10-year licences come with defined fees and align with wider government efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and advance Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda.
Ethiopian operators Ethio Telecom and Safaricom have raised tariffs in response to currency depreciation, rising costs, and heavy infrastructure investment. Safaricom announced a 44 percent increase in mobile data prices as both operators seek to stabilise operations amid macroeconomic pressures.
Egypt’s MCIT and Orange Egypt have signed a two-year agreement to expand telemedicine services in remote and underserved areas. The initiative will deploy mobile digital health units, link local clinics with major hospitals, and improve access to healthcare through scalable, technology-driven solutions.
Telenor completed the sale of Telenor Pakistan at a valuation of NOK 5.3 billion, confirming the transaction announced in December 2023. Over 20 years, the operator served more than 40 million customers and supported digital inclusion and economic growth across Pakistan.
Egypt’s MCIT and Orange Egypt signed a two-year MoU to expand telemedicine services in remote and underserved areas. The initiative will deploy mobile digital health units, link local clinics with major hospitals, and improve access to medical care through scalable, technology-driven healthcare solutions.
The third Arab regional forum brought together policymakers and experts in Tozeur to explore how cultural and creative industries can drive sustainable development in the age of artificial intelligence. Discussions focused on future professions, financing creativity, digital transformation, and protecting creators’ rights.