Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
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.
Algeria has launched the “DZ Travellers” platform to provide information, emergency support, and travel registration services for citizens abroad. The initiative enhances crisis coordination, aligns with Algeria’s digital transformation agenda, and underscores the state’s commitment to protecting its nationals globally.
India has launched its first indigenous 4G stack—the Bharat Telecom Stack—developed by BSNL, TCS, C-DOT, and Tejas Networks. Covering 97,500 towers across 26,700 villages, the project connects 22 million people, supports 5G upgrades, and cements India’s place among the world’s telecom technology leaders.
Ooredoo has partnered with Innovatix Systems to roll out advanced cybersecurity services across its markets, including managed security, SOC, EDR, and XDR. Already active in Qatar, Tunisia, Kuwait, and the Maldives, the services will expand company-wide by 2025, providing round-the-clock, multilingual, and market-tailored protection.
Lebanon has granted Starlink a license to provide satellite-based internet services nationwide after six months of negotiations. Initially available only to companies at $100 per month, the service aims to enhance connectivity in a country struggling with infrastructure and service reliability.
Morocco has launched the WE-Elevate program with the DCO to support women and youth entrepreneurs in digitizing their businesses and scaling globally. The initiative offers e-learning, mentorship, and access to business platforms, reinforcing Morocco’s ambition to be Africa’s leading digital innovation hub.
Bahrain’s internet users now benefit from triple the upload speeds and faster downloads after regulators mandated higher entry-level fibre speeds. The move strengthens Bahrain’s digital infrastructure, improves user experience, and supports innovation in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
BTCL will introduce Bangladesh’s first triple-play and quad-play services, offering unlimited data, voice, and video, plus wireless connectivity. Partnering with OTT platforms, the initiative also includes affordable 5G smartphones on installment, aiming to boost digital inclusion and transform communication and entertainment nationwide.
Bahrain has rolled out WE-Elevate, a DCO program to empower female-led MSMEs with digital, financial, and entrepreneurial skills. By combining training, mentorship, and e-commerce tools, the initiative helps firms scale globally, close gender gaps in digital leadership, and contribute to inclusive economic growth across DCO Member States.