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 says it remains the only country with a Data Embassy law, enabling foreign data to be hosted locally under home-country jurisdiction. Finance Minister Sheikh Salman said this, alongside bankruptcy reform, education investment, and global fiber connectivity, is creating a fertile environment for AI-driven entrepreneurship and foreign capital.
PTA has licensed nine local VPN providers and launched a free registration portal, with over 30,000 users already enrolled. The move supports secure remote work for businesses and freelancers while strengthening oversight through new IP whitelisting rules to curb misuse and enhance cybersecurity.
Oman joined Arab telecom ministers in Cairo, urging deeper regional cooperation on cybersecurity and digital development. The Sultanate highlighted progress in broadband, digital government, data governance, and AI, as the council approved the creation of a regional artificial intelligence committee to coordinate Arab efforts.
Egypt has licensed tpay to enable direct carrier billing for government services, allowing citizens to pay utilities, fines, and official fees through mobile balances. The move expands access for unbanked users, simplifies transactions, and strengthens Egypt’s shift toward inclusive, mobile-first digital payments.
Oman climbed to 18th in the Speedtest Global Index after doubling median download speeds in three years. Regulatory reforms, 3G sunset, new competition, and sustained 5G investment lifted coverage to 91 percent, strengthened resilience, and positioned the sultanate among the world’s fastest mobile markets.
Iran may restore internet access after days of nationwide blackout imposed during the deadliest unrest since 1979. Officials say over 5,000 people were killed as protests were crushed. A brief state TV hack exposed cracks in control, while arrests continue and regional tensions remain high.
Morocco has renewed satellite communication licenses for nine operators, including Maroc Telecom and Wana Corporate, reinforcing its position as a leading African space and satellite market. The move supports VSAT, GMPCS, and 3RP networks, strengthening national connectivity and Morocco’s long-term investment in space and digital infrastructure.
Nigeria’s telecom regulator has opened a public consultation on direct-to-device satellite services, exploring spectrum models, coexistence with mobile networks, and public-interest safeguards. The move aligns with Airtel Africa’s planned rollout of Starlink’s Direct to Cell service, signalling Nigeria’s readiness to shape a regulatory framework for satellite-mobile convergence.
Morocco has renewed satellite communication licenses for nine operators, reinforcing its position as a leading African space and telecom market. The move supports VSAT, GMPCS, and 3RP services, strengthens national infrastructure, and aligns with Morocco’s growing satellite portfolio and Africa’s expanding space ecosystem.
Nigeria’s telecom regulator has appointed PwC to assess competition across the sector, examining market concentration, pricing, entry barriers, and consumer behaviour. The review aims to strengthen regulatory certainty, preserve fair competition, and guide proportionate interventions that sustain innovation, investment, and service quality amid shifting industry dynamics.