Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has renewed its framework agreement with Google Cloud at MWC25 Doha, allowing continued access to secure cloud services, generative AI, and advanced data analytics via the local Doha region. The partnership supports public-sector efficiency and aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Minister Jagdish Kharel visited Ncell’s data centre and pledged government support following protest-related damages of Rs 650 million. He praised Ncell’s contributions and encouraged further investment and rural expansion. Ncell announced a new Gen Z Pack and a scholarship programme for 100 SEE students annually.
Egypt’s telecom regulator has warned of a global wave of sophisticated smartphone hacking attempts affecting users in over 150 countries, including Egypt. The attacks exploit newly discovered security flaws and rely on malicious links disguised as trusted messages. Authorities are urging users to update devices, enable advanced security settings, use two-factor authentication, and stay alert to abnormal phone behavior.
Electronic fraud has emerged as a growing concern in Oman’s digital ecosystem, prompting the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to organize a public dialogue on December 14 under its “Constructive Dialogue” series. The session will focus on identifying common scam techniques, understanding how networks facilitate fraud, and assessing public awareness. By bringing stakeholders together, the TRA aims to strengthen consumer protection frameworks, enhance cybersecurity awareness, and improve overall trust in telecom services.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Oman has taken legal action against companies selling unlicensed telecom devices used for unauthorized network setups, citing risks to consumer protection, data security, and service quality. Alongside this enforcement, the TRA will host a public engagement session on December 14 under its “Constructive Dialogue” initiative to address the growing challenge of electronic fraud, explore scam patterns, and develop stronger consumer protection measures through collaborative discussion.
Ncell CEO Michael Foley has called on the Nepal government to provide clear policy direction for the launch of 5G, citing uncertainty around spectrum, taxation, investment, and licensing as major barriers. He warned that outdated telecom laws and ambiguity over Ncell’s ownership status after 2029 are discouraging long-term investment. While 5G is seen as vital for Nepal’s digital future, Foley said government facilitation is essential to make nationwide deployment commercially viable.
Nepal’s telecom regulator has given internet service providers 35 days to clear their outstanding contributions to the Rural Telecommunication Development Fund, which requires ISPs to pay 2 percent of their annual income. NTA said several companies have ignored repeated requests to submit payments and audited financial details. While the ultimatum has now been formally issued, the regulator has not yet revealed the names of the defaulting ISPs. The funds are critical for expanding telecom services in rural and remote regions.
An Egyptian senator has proposed a comprehensive digital and regulatory overhaul of the country’s real estate sector through the creation of a unified national framework. The plan includes a new regulatory authority, mandatory escrow accounts, standardised contracts, a national digital monitoring platform, and a specialised real estate judicial unit. Designed to protect buyers, stabilise the market, and attract foreign investment, the proposal aligns with Egypt’s digital transformation strategy and draws on international regulatory models.
The Algiers Declaration on Digital Platforms in Africa has been adopted as a new framework to regulate global online streaming services, including AI platforms and social media networks. Announced by Algeria’s Minister of Post and Telecommunications, the declaration aims to establish unified regulatory standards across the continent. It is intended to strengthen digital governance, protect consumer rights, and reinforce Africa’s digital sovereignty as global platforms continue to expand their influence in regional markets.