Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The UAE has the world’s fastest broadband at 399 Mbps, followed by Qatar (344 Mbps) and Kuwait (240 Mbps). Investments in 5G, fiber optics, and smart city projects are driving digital transformation, supporting sectors like education, healthcare, and fintech, and positioning these nations as global leaders in connectivity.
Vodafone Qatar has launched the ZTE U60 Pro Wi-Fi 7 5G hotspot, the region’s first device of its kind. With Wi-Fi 7, 5G-A speeds, a Snapdragon X75 chip, and a 10,000mAh battery offering 29 hours of use, the device connects 64 devices and is priced at QAR 999.
Morocco will launch 5G services in November, with Maroc Telecom, Orange Maroc, and Inwi leading the rollout. Coverage will reach 45% of the population by 2026 and 85% by 2030. The move strengthens Morocco’s digital transformation, with 5G set to power smart cities, industry, and digital health.
This landmark deployment of ZTE and MTN’s 5-band RRU in South Africa improves efficiency, reduces site complexity, and cuts power consumption by over 40%. It sets a new global standard for sustainable network evolution, empowering Africa’s digital transformation while addressing cost, capacity, and environmental challenges faced by telecom operators.
KaliSpot has launched its first 1Net smart kiosks in Dakar, offering interoperable cash-in/cash-out and digital financial services. The fintech plans nationwide rollout in 2025, regional expansion with Solarix, and aims to build West and Central Africa’s first hybrid intelligent proximity platform within three years.
TTCL will build over 1,400 communication towers by 2027 to expand rural connectivity and strengthen Tanzania’s digital economy. The government-backed initiative aligns with the National Digital Strategy and Vision 2050, positioning Tanzania as a future high-income, digitally advanced nation.
Grameenphone and Robi Axiata have commercially launched Bangladesh’s first 5G services, covering all divisional headquarters. The rollout is hailed as a transformative milestone, promising faster connectivity, innovation, and economic growth, while positioning Bangladesh for a more advanced digital future.
Jamil Bustami & Sons and Hakaya Group signed a Bridgestone 3M Contract to enhance tyre maintenance and monitoring for Hakaya’s fleet. The deal includes comprehensive training to boost safety standards, reflecting a joint commitment to reliable, secure, and professional passenger transport services in Jordan.
Indus Towers, backed by Bharti Airtel, is expanding into Africa with initial operations in Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia. The move leverages Airtel’s presence and aims to diversify revenues. Indus will face competition from established players like ATC, IHS Towers, and Helios in Africa’s growing telecom infrastructure market.
A high-level meeting in Algiers reviewed the first eight months of Algeria’s telecom and postal sector projects. Minister Sayed Ali Zrouqi directed faster rollout of fiber optics, mobile upgrades, and expanded ATM networks, with a strong push for accountability and teamwork to improve service quality for all citizens.