Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bangladesh’s internet penetration remains at 53 percent, with sharp gender and rural gaps limiting digital inclusion. An ADB report highlights stalled interoperability, weak digital identity coverage, and fragmented governance, while pointing to mobile finance, health platforms, and rural digital centres as foundations for leapfrogging toward 2030 goals.
Bangladesh’s internet penetration stands at 53 percent, trailing Bhutan and the Maldives while facing gender, rural, and literacy gaps. An ADB report warns of fragmented governance and weak digital identity systems, but highlights mobile finance and “phygital” service centres as bright spots that could anchor a broader digital leap.
Nigeria’s telecom regulator says users will feel the impact of new 6GHz and 60GHz spectrum bands before year-end. The move will boost capacity, reduce congestion, improve speeds, and enable innovation across sectors, supporting broadband growth, digital inclusion, and Nigeria’s ambition to build a trillion-dollar digital economy.
Jordan’s internet usage reached 95.6% in 2024, surpassing Arab and global averages. Daily use stands at 94.8%, with 11 million users nationwide. Mobile and smartphone adoption continues to rise, while landlines decline. The survey highlights rapid digital transformation across households, devices, and connectivity platforms.
UAE consumers are rapidly moving away from cash, with 68 percent now largely non-cash users, according to Visa. Everyday spending is dominated by cards and mobile payments, while cash lingers mainly in tips, remittances, and rent. Convenience, security, and rewards are accelerating the shift.
Orange Jordan has expanded its fiber network to Tafila and Aqaba, bringing high-speed internet to over 1.1 million homes nationwide. The rollout supports Jordan’s digital transformation goals, strengthens nationwide connectivity, and reinforces Orange Jordan’s position as the country’s fastest fixed fiber network.
Morocco has climbed 14 places in the 2025 Government AI Readiness Index and launched the Jazari Institutes and Jazari Root to build a national AI ecosystem. The initiative strengthens technological sovereignty, supports inclusive development, and positions Morocco as a leading AI hub across Africa and the Global South.
Saudi Arabia recorded near-universal internet usage in 2025, with 99% of residents aged 15–74 online, according to GASTAT. Mobile access dominates, social media leads usage, e-government adoption exceeds 98%, and e-commerce continues to grow, driven by strong female participation.
Jordan recorded measurable improvements across more than 20 global indicators, driven by progress in digital government, innovation, competitiveness, and economic resilience. Gains in global rankings highlight stronger public services, governance, inflation control, and digital workforce development.
Oman’s telecom subscriptions surpassed 8 million in 2025, driven by strong mobile growth, a surge in IoT connections, and rapid fibre expansion, while legacy technologies such as ADSL and fixed 4G continued to decline.