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 is preparing its first National Fiberization Policy to deliver minimum 100 Mbps fixed broadband nationwide. Backed by the World Bank, the plan includes 8–10 million new fiber house passes and 80% tower fiberization. A consulting firm will map gaps, guide PPP investments, recommend regulatory reforms, and strengthen resilience for Pakistan’s digital future.
The African Union Commission has launched a four-day workshop to validate key data governance frameworks supporting Africa’s Digital Single Market by 2030. The draft frameworks address data categorisation, cross-border flows, and open data, aiming to harmonise regulations, strengthen governance, and unlock major economic value across the continent. Final adoption will follow AU review.
The conclusion of WTDC-25 saw ITU member states adopt the Baku Action Plan, a 2026–2029 roadmap for inclusive global connectivity. Despite 6 billion people now online, the new Global Connectivity Report highlights deep regional and gender divides, ongoing affordability barriers, and rising environmental and digital-wellbeing concerns that continue to slow global progress.
CRA has concluded its “Everyone Connected, Everyone Engaged” initiative, delivering nationwide digital inclusion programs aligned with ITU’s 160th anniversary. The closing event included an SRMC visit for people with disabilities, showcasing CRA’s monitoring technologies. The initiative promoted youth innovation, senior digital safety and community engagement, supporting Qatar’s broader digital transformation goals.
The African Union Commission has begun a four-day validation process to finalise key continental data governance frameworks that will harmonise regulations, secure cross-border data flows and support the creation of Africa’s Digital Single Market by 2030. The initiative aims to strengthen trust, promote innovation, and ensure responsible, inclusive and rights-focused data use across all Member States.
PTA has proposed strict rollout obligations for Telecom Infrastructure Provider licensees, requiring minimum yearly deployment of fiber, towers, Earth Stations or landing stations. The plan targets inactive licensees and aims to drive nationwide infrastructure expansion, improve network resilience and increase accountability. Stakeholders can submit feedback before the rules are finalized.
UNOOSA and MBRSC launched the PHI-1 mission carrying hosted payloads from Nepal and Bahrain under the Access to Space for All initiative. The mission helps developing nations gain spaceflight experience through cost-effective payload hosting, supporting space-enabled hazard sensing and secure communications, and advancing the UN’s broader “Space2030” participation agenda.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, addressed a high-profile AmCham event, emphasizing the strong strategic relations with the United States and Bahrain’s vision to become a regional hub in smart mobility, logistics, and digital technology.
Senegal’s ARTP and the International Telecommunication Union have signed a partnership to support young women in digital development. Launched during CMDT-25 in Baku, the initiative will build skills, strengthen digital trade participation, and create supportive commercial ecosystems. Detailed implementation plans will be released, reflecting Senegal’s push to expand its digital economy.
Bangladesh will auction the 700MHz band for the first time on 14 January 2026, offering 25MHz to the country’s four mobile operators. The band—critical for long-range 4G and future 5G expansion—comes to auction after years of disputes and legal delays. With reduced spectrum prices and strong industry demand, the auction is expected to reshape nationwide coverage and improve mobile broadband quality.