Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Tunisie Telecom, in partnership with Ericsson, has launched its NSA 5G services, using TDD spectrum to deliver multi-gigabit speeds. The 5G network leverages 3.5 GHz and refarmed 4G spectrum, with downlink speeds reaching 2.1 Gbps. The launch follows the company’s 5G licence approval in November 2024.
Zain KSA initiates commercial 5G Standalone deployment on the 600 MHz band, enhancing nationwide coverage and enabling advanced digital services. The rollout supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for innovation and connectivity expansion.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched the Tech Talent Hub initiative to support technology startups and digital talent. This initiative aims to enhance the tech sector and digital economy by providing comprehensive HR services, enabling startups to maximize their potential in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
du and Aqaba Digital Hub signed an MoU to develop regional digital corridors linking the GCC, Levant, Asia, and Europe. The partnership enhances connectivity resilience, reduces latency, and positions Jordan as a key hub in the Middle East’s digital transformation.
Turkcell secures $150 million Murabaha financing from Dubai Islamic Bank to fund infrastructure investments in data centres, cloud, and renewable energy. The deal diversifies financing sources and attracts Gulf investors, supporting Turkcell’s long-term growth and financial resilience.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority has revoked the licenses of two internet service providers, C Data Communication and Life Net, due to non-compliance with operating terms and failure to initiate the renewal process, respectively. Both companies must also fulfill required payments within 30 days as directed by the NTA.
Qatar’s digital commerce sector is expected to reach $7.29bn by the end of 2024, with a projected CAGR of 21.70%. The sector’s growth is driven by government initiatives, technological advancements, and AI. However, challenges like market saturation and regulatory issues remain, as businesses adapt to evolving digital landscapes.
Jiji, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, is set to launch its classified ads marketplace in Bangladesh. With a focus on expanding in Asia, the company plans to build a strong local team and capture market share by offering a reliable platform for buying and selling goods, without owning inventory or logistics.
The UAE leads the world in tech dependency, with residents spending nearly eight hours daily on screens and TikTok surpassing Instagram adoption. Ranked ahead of Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, the UAE’s universal internet access highlights its position as a hyper-connected nation driving global digital engagement trends.
N3XT Sports has released its Digital Transformation Regional Market Report 2025 | Gulf, highlighting key insights into the digital consumption of sports in the region. Key findings show high mobile engagement, especially in Saudi Arabia’s football fans, and opportunities for growth in data-driven fan engagement and digital strategies for sports clubs.