Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Zain KSA has entered Saudi Arabia’s insurtech market by acquiring a majority stake in Green Shield Insurance Brokers (GSIB) through Al Sayra Holding, alongside Prevensure. The JV will digitize insurance services, expand financial inclusion, and align with Zain’s strategy of evolving from a traditional telco to a digital lifestyle enabler.
HONOR made its debut at COMEX Oman 2025 in partnership with MHD-ITICS, showcasing its AI-powered foldable Magic V5 smartphone, MagicBook 14, and MagicPad 3. The move reinforces HONOR’s commitment to Oman’s Vision 2040, strengthening its presence and supporting the country’s digital transformation journey.
The Jordanian Armed Forces have partnered with Orange Money to digitize Royal Scholarship payments. Students will now receive funds directly via Orange Money wallets, enhancing efficiency, security, and financial inclusion. The initiative highlights public-private collaboration to modernize services and support Jordan’s youth with accessible digital finance solutions.
Batelco has become the first operator in Bahrain to introduce Eco-SIM cards made from 100% recycled plastic. The new cards, produced from recycled appliances, are fully recyclable and form part of a circular economy model. This initiative will reduce plastic waste, cut carbon emissions, and reinforce Beyon Group’s sustainability commitments.
Oman’s telecom sector grew 15.5% year-on-year, with IoT subscriptions more than doubling to 1.56 million and mobile broadband reaching 5.59 million. Fiber and 5G continued to expand, while DSL and fixed 4G collapsed, signaling a clear market shift toward next-generation connectivity.
Paystack is sponsoring Nigeria’s 2025 Kids Innovation Challenge, empowering children aged 10–17 from disadvantaged backgrounds to create tech solutions for education, healthcare, and jobs. The initiative, run by The Destiny Trust, combines training, mentorship, and holistic support to nurture Africa’s next generation of innovators.
Walton has made history by exporting 2,500 motherboards to the US for security devices, marking Bangladesh’s first-ever motherboard export to the American market. The deal with Safepro Technologies highlights Walton’s global expansion and positions Bangladesh as a new contender in the $80 billion PCBA industry.
Indus Towers and IIT Madras have launched a pioneering research initiative into Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), exploring its potential as a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and sustainable alternative to steel for telecom towers. The project aims to set new benchmarks for resilient, eco-friendly infrastructure.
ZTE and Mobiuz have completed the first phase of a network modernisation project in Karakalpakstan and Khorezm, Uzbekistan. Over 1,200 new base stations were deployed, boosting internet speeds by up to 33% and raising data traffic by more than 30%. Future phases will further enhance connectivity.
Pakistan’s IT Ministry (Ignite) and HUM Network have launched the Center of Excellence in Gaming & Animation (CEGA), the country’s biggest initiative in the sector. The project will train youth, foster startups, and expand exports, while Pakistan and Turkey also agreed to strengthen ICT collaboration.