Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Safaricom and Standard Bank are investing $138 million to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure rollout, supported by Vodacom’s increased stake. Safaricom now serves 62 million users regionally and 10.1 million in Ethiopia. The partnership aims to expand digital and financial inclusion, empower communities and position Ethiopia as a rising tech powerhouse.
Egypt launched a mobile app called Investor Support to streamline how industrial complaints and inquiries are submitted and tracked. Linked to multiple ministries and authorities, the app offers instant notifications, unified case tracking, follow-up reminders and reduced bureaucracy. It supports the government’s wider digital transformation agenda for industrial investors.
Nawy Partners launched its +Partners platform to support Egypt’s real estate brokers with advanced technology, financial tools and marketing capabilities. With a 6,500-company network, the platform streamlines operations and enhances commissions. The conference highlighted market trends, developer strategies and Nawy Now, as the company prepares regional expansion and new PropTech offerings for 2026.
Banglalink received Bangladesh Bank’s NOC to operate as a Payment Service Provider, enabling digital payments without holding deposits. Once infrastructure is finalised and inspected, a final licence will follow. The operator can process transfers, merchant and bill payments, entering direct competition with bKash and Nagad while advancing financial inclusion.
EDOTCO Bangladesh and BDRCS signed an MoU to strengthen disaster preparedness by enhancing early warnings, ensuring site readiness and restoring critical communications during emergencies. The partnership includes solar-powered systems, safe-shelter support, community programmes, joint drills and volunteer training to improve national resilience across climate-vulnerable areas.
AFS and RestHero signed an MoU to expand digital ordering, loyalty and social commerce solutions across MEA’s F&B sector. By combining AFS’s secure payment rails with RestHero’s AI-driven platform, the partnership enables restaurants to build direct digital channels, reduce aggregator dependency, streamline operations and unlock higher-margin growth opportunities across regional markets.
Ericsson’s Majda Lahlou Kassi discussed Africa’s growing 5G momentum at ATF 2025, citing 400 million expected 5G subscriptions by 2030, FWA-driven expansion, affordability challenges, and new use cases in mining, maritime, and stadium experiences. She also emphasized AI adoption, energy-efficient networks, and youth-focused digital skills development.
Vodafone Business has upgraded its MyVodafone Portal with an intuitive interface, real-time dashboards and enhanced management tools supporting mobility, fixed-line, PTT+ and IoT services. The improvements give companies more visibility, control and automation to speed up decisions, manage assets effectively and streamline digital service operations.
Bahrain and the UAE agreed to deepen cooperation in transport, telecommunications and digital transformation during a meeting between Minister Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and Ambassador Fahad Mohammed Salem bin Kardous Al Ameri. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to stronger strategic ties supporting shared development and long-term prosperity.
Pakistan’s Senate Committee reviewed progress on health, telecom, IT and aviation assurances, covering issues such as PIMS medical facilities, PMDC digital processes, Islamabad land possession, 4G rollout in Abbottabad, hospital lab systems, HIV/AIDS treatment access, airport outsourcing clarification and ongoing infrastructure plans. Departments were directed to submit detailed reports before the next session.