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
Oman is accelerating its digital transformation with major gains in e-government, investment facilitation and industrial growth. With over 395,000 commercial registrations, RO 30.2 billion in FDI and nearly 90% of licences automated, the country’s national strategies are building a more competitive, connected and investor-ready economy aligned with Vision 2040.
Sri Lanka’s TRC has confirmed steep telecom taxes: 20.3% on mobile data and 38.4% on voice calls. A Rs. 100 recharge gives users just Rs. 79.30 for data or Rs. 61.60 for calls. The TRC generated Rs. 45 billion last year and expects Rs. 50 billion next year, as telecom taxes continue to impact consumer spending power.
Egypt has added a personal credit report and score inquiry service to the Digital Egypt platform, enabling citizens to securely access and monitor their financial data and strengthening national financial inclusion.
TDRA hosted the ICT Development Forum 2025, uniting government agencies, telecom operators, and global tech leaders to discuss future telecom trends, innovation, regulation, and digital safety. The event emphasized collaboration, smart technologies, and strengthened cybersecurity as the UAE advances its digital transformation agenda.
Kuwait has approved a new Digital Commerce Law that modernizes online business regulation, strengthens consumer protection, and introduces innovations such as digital signatures, online licensing, dispute-resolution committees, and a Regulatory Sandbox. The legislation positions Kuwait as an emerging regional digital hub and supports its long-term digital economy vision.
Pakistan’s National Assembly committee has criticised the PTA for slow nationwide internet and ordered immediate surveys and improvement measures. The panel reviewed progress on Islamabad and Karachi IT parks, praised NTC’s cybersecurity initiatives, and noted spectrum shortages as the country prepares for a 5G rollout.
Qatar is accelerating digital innovation in education through MCIT’s new Technology Radar initiative, helping identify high-impact emerging technologies that can strengthen digital learning and enhance education quality in alignment with Digital Agenda 2030.
Grameenphone and Banglalink accuse Robi of keeping Airtel operational as a distinct brand despite merger conditions requiring full integration. They claim this creates competitive imbalance and confuses users, while Robi argues sub-brand strategies are legally permitted and common globally.
Iran’s participation in WTDC-25 supports its goal of expanding international cooperation in telecom and digital innovation. The conference provides a platform to shape global ICT policy while advancing collaboration in cybersecurity, AI, IoT, and digital development across the region.
GSMA urges Bangladesh to revise draft licensing rules that could restrict foreign participation, enforce asset divestment, and blur spectrum usage boundaries, saying they may undermine TNLP 2025 goals and mobile sector investment.