Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Algeria has enacted a presidential decree mandating dedicated cybersecurity units across public institutions, strengthening governance as cyber threats surge. With over 70 million attacks recorded in 2024, the framework introduces risk mapping, audits, and direct reporting lines to protect public services, data, and critical infrastructure.
Algeria’s Sid Ali Zerrouki has joined the Africa Artificial Intelligence Council, formed by the Smart Africa Alliance. His appointment places Algeria at the heart of continental AI policy, contributing to strategy, governance and collaboration as African nations align on digital transformation and technological sovereignty.
Qatar is advancing mission-critical connectivity through secure 5G, private networks, and satellite services, positioning digital infrastructure at the heart of national security. Vodafone Qatar’s DIMDEX showcase and Starlink partnership highlight how resilient connectivity is shaping defence, maritime, and public safety operations.
Kuwait is accelerating PPP-led infrastructure, with the Supreme Committee reviewing power, water, and digital projects. Approval is pending to award the national fiber network tender, a 50-year PPP delivering up to 10Gbps speeds and 90% home coverage, shifting network operations to the private sector.
Digicel Samoa has expanded 5G coverage in Apia to 25 sites following the addition of five new locations. The rollout is part of a WST23m network upgrade programme across Upolu and Savaii, improving speeds, reliability, and access to digital services in urban and residential areas.
Botswana’s first satellite marks a turning point in Africa’s space journey. BOTSAT-1 strengthens national security, boosts agriculture, guides rural connectivity, and builds local engineering capacity. It positions Botswana as a serious player in the continent’s $22bn space economy while accelerating data-driven development across sectors.
Almadar Aljadid has completed final technical preparations to launch Libya’s first national 5G service. The rollout supports the country’s digital transformation agenda, aims to deliver world-class connectivity, and positions Libya within the global landscape of modern telecommunications.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed toured UMEX and SimTEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi, reviewing global advances in unmanned systems, AI, robotics, and simulation. He highlighted the exhibitions’ role in global knowledge exchange and in reinforcing the UAE’s position as a hub for future technologies across civil and defence sectors.
Oman’s mobile networks continue to lead the region, with Opensignal highlighting strong gains in 5G, speed, reliability, and coverage. Regulatory reforms, spectrum refarming, and large-scale upgrades have delivered near-universal 4G and 90% 5G reach, positioning the Sultanate as a regional connectivity benchmark.
Nepal Telecom will roll out 1 Gbps FTTH connectivity in Omsatiya Rural Municipality under a new three-phase agreement. The project will connect municipal offices, health posts, and community schools, advancing Nepal’s goal of nationwide high-speed internet and strengthening digital access in rural areas.