Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
China has launched Algeria’s AlSat 3A Earth-observation satellite aboard a Long March 2C rocket, advancing bilateral space cooperation. The mission supports Algeria’s land planning and disaster management goals and forms part of a broader program delivering satellites, ground systems, and technical support.
Pakistan’s Data Vault has partnered with US-based Rafay Systems to strengthen the country’s first sovereign AI cloud. The platform enables enterprises, startups, and universities to deploy AI using GPU and Kubernetes infrastructure entirely within Pakistan, delivering hyperscale-style self-service while keeping sensitive data onshore.
Egypt and the UK are deepening ICT cooperation to position Egypt as a regional innovation and offshoring hub. Talks focused on AI, cloud, cybersecurity, fintech, and skills development, with plans for academic partnerships and joint industry events to attract British investment and strengthen Egypt’s role as a gateway to African digital markets.
STC Bahrain has signed an MoU with Huawei to advance EVOLVE 2.0, deepening its transformation into a TechCo. The initiative builds on earlier gains in cloud and automation, introducing enterprise-grade AI, data intelligence, and Copilot-style tools across network and business domains to improve operations, customer experience, and revenue models.
Nepal Telecom has cancelled a Rs5bn billing system tender, removing Huawei as the country prepares for standalone 5G. Officials cite procurement law flaws and competition concerns, while critics point to geopolitical pressure. The move follows corruption probes and signals a shift away from long-standing Chinese technology partnerships.
OpenText has opened its Middle East regional headquarters in Riyadh, strengthening its role in Saudi Arabia’s AI and digital transformation agenda. Based in KAFD, the hub enables closer collaboration with governments and enterprises, supports data sovereignty needs, and delivers localized expertise for secure, enterprise-scale AI adoption across the region.
Pakistan will use ITCN Asia 2026 to showcase BYD, Samsung, and Google assembly initiatives, highlighting a strategic shift from tech services to localized manufacturing. Led by STZA and backed by SIFC, the pavilion positions Pakistan as a destination for electric vehicles, electronics, data centers, and technology-driven industrial growth.
Pharmacists in Kuwait are more likely to adopt mHealth apps when tools align with workflow, feel easy to use, and clearly improve performance. The study shows that acceptance depends on interlinked factors—usability, professional identity, workload, and perceived value—guiding policymakers on how to design and deploy effective digital health systems.
The February spectrum auction will release 600 MHz of capacity, giving Pakistan a chance to fix chronic network constraints. Aamir Ibrahim says success depends on prioritizing affordable, reliable internet over 5G hype, strengthening 4G nationwide, enabling handset financing, and treating connectivity as national infrastructure powering education, health, and economic inclusion.
Pakistan’s telecom operators have warned that PTA’s 5G Information Memorandum imposes rollout obligations requiring $150–200 million in annual infrastructure investment per operator, excluding spectrum costs. In a low-ARPU market, executives say the framework is commercially unviable and must be revised to enable sustainable 5G deployment.