Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt’s Cybersecurity Academy enters its second year, offering free training to 5,000 young people across school, university, and graduate levels. Supported by national authorities and international tech companies, the program provides practical cybersecurity skills and accredited certification, aiming to enhance digital safety and career readiness nationwide.
Afghanistan’s Zabul province has seen a remarkable transformation in telecommunication services following years of conflict and underdevelopment. The installation of new network towers across the province has eased communication hardships, allowing residents to connect from home for the first time. Provincial officials continue efforts to expand coverage to all areas, reflecting broader national reconstruction goals in telecommunications and infrastructure.
Arkan Solutions, in partnership with BT, has launched PSTN integration for DHL Express in Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan, extending DHL’s Genesys Cloud CX platform regional deployment. The managed service ensures regulatory compliance and high-quality voice connectivity, advancing DHL’s Middle East digital transformation.
Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission has upgraded over 1,253 telecom towers and deployed AI-driven congestion prediction tools to support millions of pilgrims during the Ashura pilgrimage in Karbala. Network capacity has increased by nearly 500%, with full 4G coverage and 5G-ready infrastructure.
Egypt’s ICP Hub launch breaks blockchain barriers by enabling payments in Egyptian pounds and supporting decentralized apps with strong privacy. The World Computer Hacker League 2025 offers local developers a global platform to compete with substantial prizes. Operated by Mercatura Forum, ICP Hub Egypt aims to build national digital sovereignty and innovation.
A Dutch government study found that the mobile phone ban in schools has improved student concentration, social interactions, and academic performance, with significant positive feedback from high schools. The ban, effective since early 2024, includes primary schools with limited impact at that level.
Ooredoo Algeria has been licensed to launch and operate a 5G network after ranking second in a competitive tender by Algeria’s regulatory authority. The network promises to accelerate digital transformation and economic development, leveraging Ooredoo Group’s global 5G expertise to enhance connectivity across sectors nationwide.
Zain has launched its 5G Advanced network with nationwide coverage in Kuwait, positioning the country among the first globally to commercialize this technology. The network supports smart city and IoT applications, advancing Kuwait’s digital economy in line with government directives and CITRA’s regulatory approval.
Turkcell, Beko, and Ericsson finalized the EU-supported VERGE project, demonstrating Turkey’s first remote industrial design using 5G and XR technologies. The project highlights 5G’s role in enabling real-time collaboration, network slicing, and AI-powered network management, accelerating product development and digital transformation.
Alibaba Cloud is expanding its Southeast Asia infrastructure with a third Malaysian data centre and a second Philippine facility set for late 2025. Complemented by an AI Competency Centre in Singapore, this buildout supports rising regional demand amid a global $52.7 billion cloud network investment.