Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
MTN South Sudan has secured a 15-year operating license from the National Communication Authority, replacing an outdated Sudanese license. The new license includes commitments to expand coverage, improve service quality, and drive innovation. MTN aims to cover 90% of the population within ten years, despite affordability and infrastructure challenges.
Batelco by Beyon has been named the Strategic Partner for the 8th Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2025. The event will explore advancements in smart city technologies with a focus on sustainable growth. Batelco will showcase its cutting-edge 5G and IoT solutions, highlighting their role in transforming urban living.
The first ITU Embedded AI Focus Group meeting, hosted by Turkcell in Istanbul, brought together global experts to discuss AI-native networks. The summit emphasized the integration of AI in telecom networks for smarter, more efficient infrastructures. Key industry leaders stressed the need for international standards in AI-based networks.
Orange Jordan has launched exclusive offers for social security retirees, providing discounts on home Internet, mobile devices, and post-paid plans. Retirees can access these deals with flexible payment options over 24 months, in collaboration with the General Organization for Social Security, enhancing digital access for all members.
OmanSat Technologies has been granted a first-class licence by Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to develop and operate a satellite communications system. This will enhance broadband internet services and satellite connectivity, especially in rural areas, boosting the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and market competitiveness.
Dialog Axiata successfully conducted Sri Lanka’s first VoNR trial on a live 5G network, using a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphone. The trial showcased VoNR’s benefits, including better voice quality, faster connections, and improved network efficiency. However, 5G services remain in trial stages as spectrum allocation is still pending.
The UAE and Ireland have signed an MoU to strengthen economic and technical cooperation, establishing a Joint Economic Commission. The agreement focuses on trade, investment, renewable energy, and other sectors, aiming to foster deeper bilateral ties and promote sustainable development. Non-oil trade between the nations reached $1.1 billion in 2024.
Checkout.com plans to launch card issuing services in the UAE by 2026, pending regulatory approval. The service will enable businesses to offer branded physical and virtual cards, streamline B2B payouts, and manage expenses. Checkout.com continues to expand in the MENA region, enhancing its digital payment solutions and partnerships.
Recent data from Tunisia’s telecom regulator shows a shift towards data-driven services, with mobile internet usage and 4G adoption growing, while traditional voice services plateau. Mobile broadband is now the dominant access point, highlighting a digital transformation in the telecom sector that operators and regulators must support.
SLIIT successfully hosted CODEFEST 2024, Sri Lanka’s leading national software competition, with over 4,000 participants from schools and universities. The event showcased coding talent across 12 categories and awarded over one million rupees in prizes. CODEFEST continues to drive innovation and nurture tech talent, aligning with Sri Lanka’s Vision 2030.