Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ericsson has partnered with e& Egypt to launch 5G services across Egypt, supplying its energy-efficient 5G portfolio to enhance connectivity. This initiative coincides with the government’s second phase of 5G licenses for Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and e& Egypt, aiming to improve network performance and communication quality.
President Al-Sisi met executives from 52 global tech firms to deepen investment in Egypt’s ICT sector. The meeting led to 55 new agreements creating 75,000 jobs and reaffirmed Egypt’s growing role as a digital outsourcing powerhouse driving economic transformation and human capital development.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator has delayed the launch of the National Equipment Identity Register to January 1, 2026, extending deadlines for handset registration and giving traders more time to comply. The system aims to block illegal mobile phones, with final implementation linked to pending tax decisions by the revenue authority.
Nepal imported 1.41 million smartphones worth Rs. 26.86 billion in the first seven months of FY 2025/26, marking a 40.56 percent rise in value and 15.3 percent growth in volume year-on-year. China remained the dominant supplier, accounting for 85 percent of total imports.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a digital guide in 16 languages, including Urdu, to assist pilgrims. The guide covers essential topics like Hajj rites, cybersecurity, health tips, financial guidance, and key pilgrimage sites. The ministry is committed to enhancing the Hajj experience for 2025.
Ooredoo Qatar and Doha Bank have partnered to enhance customer experiences and meet growing market demands. The strategic collaboration, formalized through an MoU, will focus on joint initiatives such as employee services, loyalty programs, and customer analytics, bringing innovative services and benefits to their customers across Qatar.
Ooredoo is the Official Telecom Sponsor of the Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2025, a WTA 1000 event featuring top women’s tennis players like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek. The tournament offers a $3.65 million prize pool and strengthens Qatar’s position as a global sports hub, with tickets starting from QR30.
Algeria and Oman have launched educational platforms ‘فضاء الأولياء’ and ‘تطبيق ولي الأمر’ to enhance communication between schools and parents. These platforms allow parents to track their children’s academic performance, access exam results, and monitor school activities, ensuring active involvement in their children’s educational progress for the 2024-2025 school year.
Morocco’s conference on trade digitalisation, supported by EBRD and ICC, focuses on reducing costs and increasing transparency. Key discussions include legal frameworks, international initiatives, and the importance of digital infrastructure. The event aims to align Morocco’s trade procedures with global standards, benefiting its economy and integration into the global market.
Nepal’s telecom regulator, NTA, has ordered all ISPs to obtain official tariff approval before offering services, citing growing complaints over arbitrary pricing. The directive enforces Section 42 of the Telecommunications Act and aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and consumer protection in internet service charges.