Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Nepal’s smartphone imports increased 24% in FY 2081/82, driven by renewed consumer demand post-pandemic and holiday season sales prospects, signaling a robust market recovery.
Egyptian researcher Ayther Amr combines IoT-enabled precision agriculture with eco-friendly Trichoderma fungi to combat crop disease sustainably. Successful greenhouse and field trials in Egypt pave the way for expansion across Africa and Asia.
Oman’s telecom sector experiences rapid growth with mobile and IoT subscriptions soaring amid a $441.5 million digital transformation initiative. Vision 2040 targets 80 percent digital government services by 2025, backed by major infrastructure projects and public investments accelerating smart connectivity and innovation.
UAE achieves 100% adult mobile phone ownership, leads global mobile-driven online shopping, and exhibits high internet usage, highlighting its advanced digital ecosystem in the GCC.
Iraq’s internet penetration rose from 44.3% in 2019 to 82.9% in 2024. The Ministry of Communications plans additional infrastructure projects with public-private partnerships to support the country’s digital transformation and modernize its telecommunications network.
Bangladesh’s mobile subscribers increased 0.52% to 187.61 million in May, led by Grameenphone. Internet users rose 0.87% to 132 million, driven by mobile internet growth, reversing a year-long decline.
Jordan’s telecommunications sector shows robust growth in broadband subscriptions, mobile data consumption, and 5G adoption in early 2025. Fixed voice subscriptions dip slightly, but call volumes and SMS usage surge, while fixed broadband and leased line services expand steadily.
Jordan’s telecom sector saw steady growth in broadband and 5G adoption in early 2025, with mobile broadband subscriptions and data usage rising significantly. The surge in SMS traffic and leased line services, alongside increasing fiber-optic broadband, highlights expanding connectivity across the Kingdom.
The UAE leads global mobile shopping, with 67% using smartphones for recent purchases, outpacing Saudi Arabia and Singapore. Driven by convenience and security, mobile retail grew 23% since 2022. Millennials lead adoption, Gen X follows, and rising cross-channel shopping solidifies the UAE’s role in digital commerce innovation.
Pakistan’s telecom sector has witnessed substantial increases in data usage, broadband subscriptions, and network infrastructure, indicating a vibrant and expanding digital ecosystem. However, challenges remain as revenues have declined, reflecting a complex market dynamic in a rapidly evolving industry.