Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Sri Lanka is preparing to appoint a local IT firm to manage the SL-UDI platform once the MSI contract ends. The domestic MSP will take over in December 2025, ensuring local expertise drives the country’s digital ID system, with biometric data collection expected to begin in late 2026.
Algeria’s Post and Telecommunications Minister Sid Ali Zerrouki has stressed research, innovation, and collaboration as the country prepares to launch 5G services. The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen local technology industries, expand digital solutions, and safeguard Algeria’s digital sovereignty.
Telecom Egypt has named Tamer El Mahdi as its new CEO, succeeding Mohamed Nasr. Backed by three decades of global telecom and technology leadership, El Mahdi will lead the company’s next phase of growth, focusing on digital transformation, customer experience, and expanding Telecom Egypt’s regional influence.
Turkcell successfully conducted Türkiye’s first high-altitude 5G field test at 1,250 meters in Rize’s Kaçkar Mountains during the UTMB ultramarathon. The event showcased the operator’s technological readiness in extreme conditions and introduced real-time athlete tracking, reinforcing both innovation and sports tourism for the region.
MTN South Africa and Ericsson have completed a landmark 5G core modernisation project, deploying cloud-native solutions to boost network performance, automation, and agility. The upgrade—executed with zero disruption to millions of live sessions—prepares MTN for a seamless transition to a 5G standalone core.
Türkiye will launch nationwide 5G services by April 2026 following a $2.1 billion spectrum allocation. The technology promises faster speeds, ultra-low latency, and massive IoT connectivity. It is expected to revolutionize healthcare, education, logistics, agriculture, and industrial automation, positioning Türkiye as a digital leader in the region.
The Electronic Government Division of the Smart Zambia Institute (SZI) has rolled out Starlink satellite internet kits in Moomba Chiefdom,…
Solutions by stc has signed a SAR 313.39m ($62m) contract with stc to expand networks, upgrade obsolete systems, and develop new data centres in multiple Saudi cities, with financial impact starting Q1 2026.
Google will build four subsea cable hubs across Africa and invest $9M in AI training and research, expanding its Africa Connect program. The initiative will improve internet speed and resilience for 18 nations while equipping young Africans with AI and cloud skills to drive the continent’s digital economy.
The Taliban has imposed a nationwide internet and telecom shutdown in Afghanistan, creating a total blackout that disrupts flights, banking, education, and media. The move follows fibre-optic cuts and signals tighter control over information, with severe consequences for daily life, businesses, and especially women’s access to education.