Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Oman has partnered with Airbus Space Systems to build and launch OmanSat-1, its first communications satellite. Based on the OneSat platform, the satellite will support regional communications and advance Oman’s National Space Policy. The project includes local workforce training, industry participation and long-term ambitions to develop a national space industry.
Morocco has signed an agreement to build the National School of Advanced Technologies in Dakhla, a MAD 100 million project supporting development in the southern provinces. The school will specialize in AI, robotics, and digital systems, expand regional engineering programs, strengthen research, and align with national efforts to boost education and economic growth.
Bangladesh’s government is prioritising tech-driven agriculture, with Shafiqul Alam stressing the need for modern storage, export pathways, and farmer protection. He highlighted global market risks, Chinese interest in revitalising the jute sector, and the need to expand grain storage to ensure food security. Protecting farmland and boosting productivity remain national priorities.
Algeria has launched a unified call center in Ouargla for Algérie Poste, Mobilis, and Algérie Télécom, led by Minister Sid Ali Zerrouki. Equipped with modern technology, the center supports national goals to build a major call center industry, create thousands of jobs, promote decentralization, and strengthen Algeria’s digital services sector.
NBB and Batelco by Beyon have signed an MoU to explore collaboration across their retail and loyalty ecosystems. The agreement focuses on aligning loyalty programmes, offering bundled services, and integrating digital platforms to deliver tailored customer experiences, supporting Bahrain’s wider goals for digital innovation and connected retail services.
Saudi Arabia’s GO has rebranded to Etihad GO Telecom as part of a strategic shift aimed at strengthening its presence in the telecom and technology sectors. Approved by shareholders in October, the new identity aligns with the company’s plans to boost technical capabilities, expand digital services, and support Saudi Vision 2030’s national digital transformation agenda. The company’s Tadawul ticker has now been updated to GO TELECOM.
Vianet has launched its Superhit Internet Pack in Nepal, offering priority same-day customer support for users on 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, and 300 Mbps plans. Priced at Rs 11,200 annually for the 200 Mbps package, the offer includes a discounted Mesh Router and aims to enhance service reliability and customer satisfaction for both new and existing subscribers.
Ooredoo Kuwait has launched exclusive roaming offers for fans traveling to Qatar for Arab Cup 2025, including a free one-day 15GB data pass and a 50% discounted roaming pack with 500GB data and 500 minutes. A new permanent 2TB roaming package has also been introduced. The company aims to deliver high-value, seamless connectivity for supporters during the tournament and beyond.
Africa’s smartphone market grew 24 percent in Q3 2025, rebounding strongly after five quarters of decline. Transsion, Samsung, and Xiaomi led the market as stabilising currencies, expanded financing, and improved retail activity lifted demand. South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya saw major gains across both entry-level and premium segments. However, Omdia expects a 6 percent decline in 2026 as rising costs and currency pressures strain affordability, particularly in the low-end 4G category.
Algeria has launched the pilot phase of a shared national call center to support telecom operators and digitize citizen services, aiming to grow the sector to US$1.2 billion by 2029. The hub will centralize customer support, enhance coordination, and create up to 10,000 jobs by 2027. Part of the “Digital Algeria 2030” strategy, the initiative aligns with Africa’s fast-growing BPO market and strengthens Algeria’s ambition to compete regionally and globally.