Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Morocco plans to roll out 5G internet service ahead of the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The government aims for 25% 5G coverage by 2026 and 70% by 2030, along with expanding fibre-optic connections to 5.6 million homes by 2030, as part of its digital infrastructure efforts.
Huawei’s Developers Competition in Egypt recognized four winning teams for their innovations in smart transportation, healthcare, supply chain optimization, and tourism. The event also marked the launch of the “Huawei Cloud Club” in Egyptian universities, fostering cloud computing, training talent, and supporting Egypt’s digital transformation.
Pakistan’s digital payments surged by 9% in Q1 FY25, with mobile banking and e-commerce leading the way. The Raast system’s success highlighted the shift to digital wallets and mobile platforms. With continued growth in digital services, Pakistan is on track to enhance financial inclusion and drive economic development.
Star Tech is transforming Bangladesh’s tech retail sector with its omnichannel approach, combining e-commerce and physical stores. The company has introduced innovative services like home tech support and a mobile app. Its customer-focused strategy positions Star Tech as a market leader, enhancing customer experience and expanding tech accessibility.
Egypt’s President Al-Sisi met with Prime Minister Madbouly and Minister Talaat to discuss digital transformation initiatives, focusing on improving ICT services, boosting mobile manufacturing, and advancing AI strategies. The government aims to enhance communication coverage, attract international investments, and develop a skilled digital workforce to support national economic goals.
Turkcell and Huawei have achieved a world-first in data transmission by reaching 2.4 terabits per second (Tbps) over a live transport network. The test, conducted between two data centers in Turkey, demonstrates the capability of advanced optical transport networks to meet growing demands in the digital age.
In October 2024, Bangladesh saw a significant rise in remittances, with Tk1,102.22 crore sent home via mobile financial services, marking a 95.22% YoY increase. This growth reflects the growing popularity of MFS platforms like bKash and Nagad, contributing to increased customer confidence and ease in remittance transfers.
Zong has been ordered by the Islamabad High Court to refund Rs2 billion to affected customers after the company failed to comply with a PTA directive. The case involves illegal service fees charged on prepaid mobile cards, marking a significant step towards greater consumer protection in Pakistan’s telecom sector.
Bangladesh’s telecom sector is hindered by restrictive policies, monopolies, and mismanagement. Key issues include stifling tower policies, limited fibre rollout, and regulatory inefficiencies. Reforming these areas could attract significant FDI, improve service, and accelerate digital transformation, helping the country realize its “Digital Bangladesh” vision.
Zain Group celebrated the success of Zain Esports in 2024, hosting 50 tournaments across the Middle East. With 820,000 unique viewers and a growing social media presence, Zain continues to strengthen its esports ecosystem, focusing on expanding gaming initiatives and competitions in 2025 and beyond.