Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bahrain Bourse, in partnership with INJAZ Bahrain, concluded the 2024-2025 ‘Smart Investor Program’ with an awards ceremony. The program, which promotes financial literacy, culminated in a competition where student teams created videos and mobile apps on personal finance. Winners were recognized from both government and private school categories.
TKAWEN, a digital platform incubated at Badji Mokhtar University, aims to revolutionize Algeria’s certification process with secure, blockchain-powered credentials. The project received strong support from key ministries, positioning it as a cornerstone of Algeria’s digital transformation and sovereign infrastructure for trust, competence, and knowledge-based economy.
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supported the growth of 127 digital startups in Q1 2025, a 135% increase from 2024. The chamber hosted key events, offered upskilling programs, and expanded its ‘Business in Dubai’ platform. Global roadshows promoted Dubai as a tech hub, culminating in the upcoming Expand North Star event.
Libya’s LPTIC has launched the “Medusa” submarine cable project, connecting the country to Europe through an 8,700-kilometer undersea cable. The project aims to enhance internet speed and quality in key cities, support 5G, and drive digital transformation by improving services and data governance across public institutions.
Iran plans to roll out 5G internet in major cities by March 2025, with a focus on metropolises. The government will auction radio frequencies needed for the expansion, and an agreement with South Korea will enable 5G on Samsung phones. The network will offer speeds up to 500 Mbps.
All schools in Buraimi Governorate are now connected to high-speed Internet, with 100% coverage via fiber optics and 5G. Residential areas also benefit from 5G and fiber-optic broadband, with satellite services for remote villages. TRA has expanded 5G and 4G stations and completed 32 telecom projects in 2024.
Nepal Telecom has launched 4G mobile data services in Kotrang, Junichande Rural Municipality, Jajarkot, marking the first introduction of 4G in the area. The service also includes 2G coverage, enabling faster data, reliable voice services, and video calling. NTC aims for nationwide coverage and future 5G implementation.
du has partnered with Ignyte, a DIFC-backed digital platform, to accelerate AI innovation and support UAE startups. The collaboration offers mentorship, funding, and digital solutions to enhance SME growth and digital transformation. It also strengthens du’s role in fostering a sustainable, innovative ecosystem for entrepreneurs.
Mastercard and LankaPay have partnered to enhance Sri Lanka’s digital economy through three key initiatives: co-branded debit cards, low-cost QR payments for tourists, and AI-powered fraud detection. These efforts aim to improve financial inclusion, support SMEs, and boost tourism-driven revenue, advancing the country’s digital transformation.
Dialog Axiata reported a strong performance in Q1 2025, with revenue reaching Rs 43.3 billion, a 4% increase YoY. EBITDA grew 45% YoY to Rs 19.7 billion, with an EBITDA margin of 45.5%. NPAT rose 49% YoY to Rs 4.1 billion. The company also reported significant tax contributions and robust cash flow.