Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan is creating its first dedicated Cybersecurity Authority under the new National Cyber Security Act, aligning with NCSP-2021 and DEEP initiatives. With key systems already designated as Critical Information Infrastructure, the authority will centralize cyber defense, enhance response coordination, and strengthen national digital resilience through unified standards and governance.
Pakistan’s international internet capacity has reached 17.21 Tbps with major submarine cables supporting global connectivity. New systems including 2Africa, Africa1, and SMW6 are underway to boost bandwidth, cut latency, and strengthen resilience. The national fiber backbone now exceeds 210,000 km across long-haul and metro networks.
Morocco is accelerating 5G deployment under its Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, aiming for 70% coverage by the end of the decade. The rollout includes long-term investment, terrain-specific engineering, and stronger network security measures. Once implemented, the country will benefit from faster, more reliable connectivity, enabling new digital services and economic opportunities.
Iraq and Germany’s GIZ have signed a new agreement to accelerate digital transformation, boost youth employment, and support SMEs. The deal includes training, loans, and funding for tech and environmental projects, building on GIZ’s decade-long, $1bn investment in Iraq’s reconstruction, economic recovery and development.
Meta and global telecom partners have completed the 2Africa subsea cable, the world’s longest open-access system spanning 33 countries and connecting three billion people. With capacity exceeding all existing African subsea cables combined, it promises faster, cheaper, and more reliable internet, accelerating digital inclusion, AI innovation, and regional economic growth.
A national BTRC inspection found major gaps between operators’ claimed 4G coverage and actual service quality, with widespread dead zones, call drops, and weak indoor connectivity across multiple districts. Regulators flagged compliance failures and urged stricter benchmarks, more towers, and improved oversight to ensure reliable mobile service for users.
Shams Telecom and GlobalTek will jointly expand modern ICT and clean-energy solutions in Iraq, combining telecom expertise with renewable energy capabilities. The partnership supports national infrastructure modernization, improves service availability, and aligns with Iraq’s push for sustainable and efficient public and private sector systems.
The partnership strengthens the UAE’s cyber resilience by establishing a Cyber Centre of Excellence built around space-focused cybersecurity, advanced cryptography, and national testing labs. Through local talent development, R&D expansion and strong global collaboration, the UAE aims to build sovereign cyber capabilities that support long-term technological leadership.
Sri Lanka is embedding strong cybersecurity principles into its national AI-first digital economy blueprint to protect against rising global scam networks and strengthen economic competitiveness. Officials emphasize that cybersecurity and digital trust are now core drivers of national growth, with efforts aimed at improving Sri Lanka’s global standing in cyber-resilience and digital capability benchmarks.
Nepal Telecom has significantly boosted 4G access across Karnali Province, connecting remote districts like Humla, Dailekh, Jajarkot, and Dolpa for the first time. With 4G now covering more than 98% of local levels nationwide, the expansion marks a major leap in rural connectivity, supporting both residents and tourists across the region.