Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
Consulting HAUS guided Snoonu through its $245 million acquisition by Jahez, valuing the Qatari startup above QAR 1 billion and delivering Qatar’s first billion-riyal tech exit. The deal sets a national benchmark, underscores Qatar’s rise as a tech hub, and accelerates Snoonu’s regional growth ambitions.
Ooredoo Group, through Syntys, has acquired Q Data’s hyperscale facilities in Qatar, adding 12.5MW of Tier III capacity and lifting national live IT capacity to 26MW. The move strengthens sovereign cloud and AI infrastructure, positions Syntys for hyperscaler demand, and advances its MENA expansion to 120MW by 2030.
Africa’s mobile money and digital economy boom is colliding with an escalating wave of cybercrime. With billions lost annually and attacks targeting banks, telecoms and governments, experts warn fragmented policies and external dependence are leaving the continent exposed. Sustainable growth now hinges on building strong, homegrown cybersecurity capacity.