Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Jordan and Saudi Arabia have launched a new business network to institutionalize private-sector collaboration, accelerate deal-making, and expand trade and investment. Backed by chambers, diplomats, and business leaders, the platform introduces structured matchmaking, sector committees, and digital tools to convert opportunities into real projects.
Starlink is providing free satellite internet across Venezuela until 3 February after major connectivity outages in Caracas linked to power disruptions. The service aims to restore access in a country with a history of internet restrictions and infrastructure gaps, offering continuity during a period of widespread uncertainty.
Network International has appointed former Careem CFO Ashish Jain as Group Chief Financial Officer. Jain will lead financial strategy, capital allocation, and operational excellence as the fintech accelerates growth across the Middle East and Africa, bringing deep experience in scaling businesses and navigating complex, high-growth environments.
Orange Côte d’Ivoire has launched Orange Sat, a satellite broadband service powered by Eutelsat to connect rural white zones. Offering both unlimited enterprise plans and low-cost prepaid passes, the initiative expands digital inclusion by bringing reliable internet to areas beyond 4G and fibre coverage.
Grameenphone has become the first operator in Bangladesh to acquire 700MHz spectrum, paying Tk2,370 crore for 10MHz. The low-band frequency will improve rural and indoor coverage, strengthen 4G and future 5G networks, and mark a major upgrade in nationwide mobile broadband capability.
Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit will showcase 11 startups at its third Demo Day in Riyadh on January 28, spanning AI, edtech, food tech, proptech, and more. Each company receives $100,000 and four months of intensive support, advancing Saudi Vision 2030’s drive for innovation and economic diversification.
Zarea has signed a $2m MoU with China’s Wang Chuang Xi Jun Chang Agri to introduce modern seed technologies, agronomic services, and scalable production systems in Pakistan. The partnership targets productivity, supply-chain efficiency, and export linkages, accelerating the modernisation of Pakistan’s agri-value chain.
USF and Jazz have launched Rs. 1.16 billion broadband projects across nine districts in Punjab and KP, targeting 533,000 rural residents. The initiative strengthens Pakistan’s Digital Nation agenda, accelerates inclusion, and expands high-speed connectivity through public-private collaboration.
Ooredoo-backed Syntys has acquired Q Data’s hyperscale data centres in Qatar, adding two Tier III facilities and lifting live capacity to 26MW. The move strengthens Qatar’s sovereign cloud ambitions, addresses regional hyperscale demand, and reinforces Syntys’ position as a carrier-neutral platform for global cloud and AI providers.
MTN South Sudan has launched 4G+ coverage in Wun Kuel, bringing faster and more reliable internet to an underserved area in Warrap State. The expansion supports education, commerce, and digital inclusion, reinforcing MTN’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and extending high-quality connectivity nationwide.