Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) has selected SpaceX to launch its advanced geostationary satellites, Al Yah 4 (AY4) and Al Yah 5 (AY5), using the Falcon 9 rocket. This agreement is part of a $5.1 billion mandate from the UAE Government, including design, manufacturing, and managed services by Airbus.
T-Vencubator has launched Tafweela, a transformative payment solution for the transportation sector in Egypt, founded by Marwan El Shayeb. This initiative aims to streamline operations and expand into B2C markets while benefitting from T-Vencubator’s comprehensive support to navigate a competitive landscape and regulatory challenges.
Airtel has landed the SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable in Chennai, further strengthening its global network. This addition, alongside the previously landed cable in Mumbai, enhances Airtel’s capacity and connectivity, benefiting businesses in India. The cable will provide 220 TBPs of global capacity, aiding Digital India’s growing demand for data.
du has pioneered access to the Cisco Networking Academy in the region, delivering a comprehensive certification program focused on empowering Emirati youth with skills in AI, programming, cybersecurity, and networking. This initiative, part of du’s Future X talent development program, supports the UAE’s Emiratization vision and equips the workforce to meet the demands of a digital economy. With expanding cohorts and specialized training tracks, du is playing a strategic role in fostering technology leadership within the country.
Dialog Axiata has successfully completed a trial with Meta to integrate AI into its network, enhancing optimisation and quality of experience (QoE). The trial, using Meta’s Llama AI models, improved call quality, video delivery, and overall user satisfaction. Dialog plans to deploy this AI-powered solution later this month.
Mobile Telecommunications Company K.S.C.P is expected to see significant growth starting in 2025, driven by ZainTECH, fintech initiatives, and 5G investments. Despite challenges such as high debt levels and economic risks in certain markets, the company’s strategic moves are set to boost revenue and EBITDA growth over the coming years.
Pakistan’s IT sector has grown significantly, with 20,000 registered companies and $2.283 billion in exports. The federal government proposed a 357% budget increase for 2024-25, allocating funds for new projects, digital economy initiatives, and IT parks in Islamabad and Karachi, reflecting the sector’s expanding role in the economy.
The PTA and NDMA are partnering to improve emergency response in Pakistan, utilizing telecom infrastructure for automated services. Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized collaboration in disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and agricultural technology to address Pakistan’s vulnerabilities, while proposing the creation of a National Digital Commission for unified governance.
ToA Tanzania, part of Axian Telecom, secured $30 million from British International Investment to build 200 new telecom sites, enhancing connectivity and bridging the digital divide in Tanzania. The expansion focuses on rural areas, promoting inclusivity and sustainable development.
New enhancements in TotalAI strengthen AI security capabilities with extended threat coverage, multi‑modal protections, and internal LLM scanner Dubai, United…