Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
stc Bahrain and Huawei have introduced new digital solutions focused on strengthening SMB digital transformation, including Huawei’s eKit services and updated Ideahub smart screen promotions. Launched at a joint event, the initiative aims to equip businesses with accessible tools for efficiency and growth while reinforcing stc Bahrain’s role as a national digital enabler.
Morocco has achieved full smartphone penetration in urban households, with rural adoption rising quickly, according to ANRT’s latest ICT survey. Internet access and device ownership have grown sharply nationwide, driven partly by the pandemic. While digital connectivity improves access to education and services, rising online use among children is triggering increasing parental concerns and household tensions.
Salam and AFR-IX Telecom confirmed steady progress on the 8,700-km Medusa Submarine Cable System during Connected World 2025. As Saudi Arabia’s gateway partner, Salam is enabling backhaul and interconnection for the project, which will link 11 countries and deliver 480 Tbps capacity. The collaboration strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role as a Mediterranean-Middle East digital hub.
Pakistan has joined the SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable system, adding 13.2 Tbps of international capacity to its digital infrastructure. The 19,200-km fibre network connects Singapore to France and delivers low-latency links while doubling the capacity of previous systems. With 4 Tbps activated immediately, the upgrade supports Pakistan’s cloud services, data centres and broader digital-economy growth.
Vodafone Qatar has completed a successful live-network test of Super Uplink technology on 5G-Advanced, achieving over 600 Mbps upload speeds. By combining two frequency bands, the solution boosts uplink performance by nearly half, enhancing everyday digital experiences and enabling advanced industrial applications. The milestone supports Qatar’s digital transformation goals and strengthens the nation’s position in next-generation connectivity.
Oman has signed a cooperation agreement with Airbus to build and launch OmanSat-1, its first national communications satellite. Based on the OneSat platform, it will strengthen digital sovereignty, expand secure telecom services and boost rural connectivity. Space Communications Technologies will operate the satellite, while the project drives talent development, SME participation and long-term space sector growth under Oman’s National Space Strategy 2023–2033.
Edotco Bangladesh and Summit Communications have renewed a five-year space and power lease agreement to jointly accelerate tower rollout across the country. The partnership enables closer coordination on site development, colocation, and transmission planning, improving readiness for 4G and 5G networks. By integrating towers with Summit’s fibre backbone, the collaboration strengthens rural and urban connectivity and supports Bangladesh’s long-term digital growth.
Space42 has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hisdesat Servicios Estratégicos, Spain’s government satellite operator, to explore joint commercial…
Pakistan’s international internet capacity has reached 17.21 Tbps with major submarine cables supporting global connectivity. New systems including 2Africa, Africa1, and SMW6 are underway to boost bandwidth, cut latency, and strengthen resilience. The national fiber backbone now exceeds 210,000 km across long-haul and metro networks.
Morocco is accelerating 5G deployment under its Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, aiming for 70% coverage by the end of the decade. The rollout includes long-term investment, terrain-specific engineering, and stronger network security measures. Once implemented, the country will benefit from faster, more reliable connectivity, enabling new digital services and economic opportunities.