Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Dialog Axiata PLC has significantly advanced 5G technology in Sri Lanka, enabling over 200K users to experience its 5G trial network across 70 locations. The network offers high-speed connectivity and includes international 5G roaming services. Dialog’s milestones in 5G, including the first Voice over 5G trial and support for Apple iPhone users, demonstrate its commitment to pioneering technology in the region.
bKash collaborates with Grameenphone and City Bank to make smartphones more affordable in Bangladesh, offering instant nano-loans for purchases, facilitating greater digital connectivity.
KARACHI, July 03, 2025: A new research study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia highlights the urgent…
Saudi Minister of Commerce, Majid Al-Qasabi, highlighted the growth of the e-commerce sector, fintech advancements, and support for SMEs, emphasizing the Kingdom’s focus on innovation and digital empowerment.
Grameenphone, in partnership with itel, has launched a co-branded affordable smartphone designed to enhance connectivity. The phone comes with exclusive data offers like free internet and discounted data packages. This initiative supports a digitally inclusive future by providing more accessible mobile solutions to Grameenphone’s customers.
TCS and NOW Telecom will jointly build a sovereign data cloud in the Philippines, integrating local data control, AI infrastructure, and advanced cybersecurity measures. The partnership aims to boost national digital sovereignty, reduce foreign tech reliance, and deliver citizen-centric services across key sectors.
Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE) has partnered with the Global Water Organisation to enhance digital and cybersecurity infrastructure, supporting global water resource management and sustainability initiatives.
Algeria and South Africa’s space agencies, ASAL and SANSA, signed an MoU on December 6, 2024, to enhance cooperation in space science and technology. The agreement aims to develop joint projects, share expertise, and promote space technologies for peaceful purposes, strengthening bilateral ties in the space sector.
Saudi Arabia is embedding AI, AR, VR, and IoT into mega-tourism projects like Neom and the Red Sea Project to deliver immersive, personalized, and sustainable visitor experiences. With 150m annual visitors targeted by 2030, smart tourism is emerging as a key Vision 2030 enabler, despite talent and infrastructure challenges.
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dharmapala Weerakkody, and BASIS members met to discuss strengthening ICT collaboration between the two countries. They explored opportunities in software development, BPO, knowledge sharing, and joint ventures. BASIS was invited to participate in Sri Lanka’s “Disrupt Asia 2025” ICT event in Colombo.