Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE/AETOSWire)– Smartstream, the trusted data solutions provider for leading global financial institutions and enterprises, today announces the preview of…
Nigeria’s teledensity climbed to nearly 81 percent in October 2025 as active subscriptions reached 175 million, driven by over 1.5 million newly activated SIMs. Despite a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs earlier in the year, Nigerians continued to consume record volumes of data, spending around ₦2.5 trillion between February and September. 4G remains the dominant technology, while broadband penetration reached almost 50 percent. Operators such as MTN and Airtel recorded sharp growth in data revenues, highlighting Nigeria’s resilient appetite for digital connectivity despite rising costs.
This new UAE scholarship reflects a major strategic investment in future artificial intelligence leadership. By supporting hundreds of outstanding undergraduate students at MBZUAI, the programme combines financial backing with global exposure, industry placements, and mentorship. It reinforces the UAE’s commitment to building national AI talent, driving innovation, and securing global competitiveness in advanced technologies through education, leadership development, and entrepreneurship.
MAM Telecom, a Ugandan fintech focused on solving mobile money float shortages, has been selected for FasterCapital’s EquityPilot program to raise $5 million in seed funding. The startup is building East Africa’s first 24/7 digital liquidity platform to provide instant mobile money float to agents and merchants. The funding will support licensing, technology, reserves, hiring, and nationwide rollout starting in 2026. The initiative addresses a major gap in Uganda’s fast-growing mobile money economy.
Salam Telecom’s #YestoPossible campaign marks a strategic pivot toward Gen Z by transforming telecom services into a lifestyle-driven digital ecosystem. The initiative positions connectivity as a platform for creativity, gaming, content, and social interaction rather than basic communication. By tapping into youth culture and digital-first behavior, Salam is redefining how telecom brands engage younger audiences in Saudi Arabia. The campaign also aligns with national digital transformation goals, reinforcing Salam’s role in shaping the future of youth-centric digital experiences across the Kingdom.
Ooredoo’s $500 million investment in a new land-based fiber network aims to create a resilient data corridor linking the Arabian Peninsula to Europe via Oman, Iraq, Turkey, and France. The project reduces reliance on high-risk maritime routes, strengthens regional digital integration, and supports Qatar’s ambitions to become a global digital and AI infrastructure hub aligned with its knowledge-economy strategy.
Oman has soft launched ‘Maal’, its first national payment card, through a partnership between Dhofar Islamic and the Central Bank of Oman. Integrated with the OmanNet gateway, the card will enable domestic payments across ATMs, POS terminals, e-commerce, and government platforms. The initiative reduces reliance on international card networks, enhances security and financial inclusion, and supports Oman Vision 2040’s digital economy and cashless society ambitions.
Muscat has emerged as a national leader in Oman’s government digital transformation through the rollout of unified digital service platforms, cloud infrastructure, and secure data systems. The city has significantly reduced reliance on paper-based processes, improved service efficiency, and strengthened inter-agency coordination. Backed by investments in cybersecurity and staff training, Muscat’s progress aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and positions the governorate as a benchmark for smart government and digital governance nationwide.
Nepal’s telecom regulator has given internet service providers 35 days to clear their outstanding contributions to the Rural Telecommunication Development Fund, which requires ISPs to pay 2 percent of their annual income. NTA said several companies have ignored repeated requests to submit payments and audited financial details. While the ultimatum has now been formally issued, the regulator has not yet revealed the names of the defaulting ISPs. The funds are critical for expanding telecom services in rural and remote regions.
Morocco’s first AGORATECH Forum brought together government authorities, regulators, and private sector leaders to position cybersecurity as a national strategic priority. Organized by APEBI, the event focused on national cyber resilience, cloud and infrastructure sovereignty, AI, 5G, and the global promotion of Moroccan cyber expertise. The forum established a new public–private dialogue platform aimed at strengthening Morocco’s digital security and international competitiveness.