Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Satellite and mobile connectivity played a critical role in recent emergency responses in Sri Lanka and along the Thai–Cambodia border. Eutelsat and Bharti Airtel supported flood relief through LEO satellite services, while Thailand’s True Corporation maintained communications, supported evacuees, and restored network services amid border tensions.
Telecom operators in Malaysia and Bangladesh are reinforcing emergency communications through partnerships with humanitarian agencies. CelcomDigi is supporting flood relief with connectivity, alerts, and on-the-ground aid, while Edotco Bangladesh is collaborating with the Red Crescent to strengthen disaster preparedness, early warnings, and network resilience in climate-vulnerable communities.
Vodafone Qatar’s executive team visited key network sites to reinforce safety standards, engage frontline teams, and review critical operational controls. The initiative highlights the company’s focus on employee wellbeing, proactive safety culture, and the link between safe execution and reliable national connectivity.
bKash is strengthening women’s financial independence in Bangladesh by expanding access to mobile money services, including remittances, savings, loans, and payroll. With over 82 million users, the platform is helping women—especially in rural areas—enter the formal economy, build resilience, and pursue entrepreneurship through inclusive digital finance.
Ooredoo Qatar has partnered with Polo AlMarsa Qatar 2025 as Official Telecom Sponsor, supporting a unique sporting and cultural showcase organised by the Qatar Polo Club. The event promoted polo to wider audiences while highlighting Qatar’s commitment to cultural exchange, community engagement, and international collaboration.
A landmark partnership between Dasman Diabetes Institute and Zain Kuwait aims to accelerate digital health innovation through smart devices, data-driven research, secure health platforms, and global collaborations. Together, the organizations seek to enhance preventive care, empower healthier lifestyles, and support Kuwait’s national development priorities through advanced technology.
Edotco has launched major sustainability initiatives in both Bangladesh and Malaysia, focusing on circular economy practices and low-carbon telecom infrastructure. In Bangladesh, a new partnership with state-owned TSS will establish a lithium-ion battery repair and refurbishment centre to reduce e-waste and build local technical capacity. In Malaysia, Edotco introduced the country’s first biochar-based telecom pole, cutting carbon emissions by up to 15 percent and improving installation efficiency. Together, these projects reinforce Edotco’s commitment to green, resilient network development across Asia.
Zain Group has launched three major disability inclusion initiatives to advance its WE ABLE 2030 vision, including a first-of-its-kind MENA partnership with the Business Disability Forum, a new GROW training program for graduates with disabilities, and personalized development plans for employees. The initiatives embed accessibility into hiring, procurement, and career progression, reinforcing Zain’s commitment to inclusive digital growth across the region.
Senegal has launched a nationwide satellite antenna program to connect one million citizens in remote and underserved areas to the Internet by the end of 2026. The initiative prioritizes schools, health facilities, border areas, and isolated government buildings. It supports Senegal’s broader digital transformation efforts, which include data centers, satellite deployment, regulatory cooperation with the ITU, and expanded telecom infrastructure.
Telenor Pakistan and UNICEF concluded their three-year partnership with a national ceremony in Islamabad highlighting key achievements in child online protection. The collaboration engaged regulators, government bodies, civil society, and youth to strengthen digital safety frameworks. Key outcomes include youth empowerment initiatives, policy advocacy, national education integration, and the launch of Pakistan’s first Child Online Protection Committee. New research from the Disrupting Harm II study will guide future policy reforms, with full findings due in April 2026.