Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Telecom Egypt has named Tamer El Mahdi as its new CEO, succeeding Mohamed Nasr. Backed by three decades of global telecom and technology leadership, El Mahdi will lead the company’s next phase of growth, focusing on digital transformation, customer experience, and expanding Telecom Egypt’s regional influence.
The UNESCO MIL Youth Hackathon highlighted the achievements of Jordan’s Youth Media Literacy Ambassadors Program (YMLAP), which won for its impactful community-based projects. This initiative empowers Jordanian youth to combat misinformation and promote media literacy, fostering a more informed and resilient society in the digital age.
Zbyte and Doha Design District have introduced a groundbreaking NFT ticketing system for the TEFFA AI R evolution event in Doha, merging blockchain technology with the arts. This innovative approach enhances ticket security and transforms them into unique digital collectibles, advancing Qatar’s position as a hub for digital innovation.
Alipay+ and Kaspi.kz have enabled international cross-border QR payments in Kazakhstan, making it the first country in Central Asia to adopt Alipay+. Covering nationwide merchants, the move supports tourism growth, builds on regional expansion efforts, and connects global travelers to local businesses.
Oman’s TRA urges compliance with internal wiring standards across residential and commercial buildings to ensure high-quality telecom services, support smart home technologies, and advance the nation’s digital transformation.
Telecom operators in Bangladesh, including Robi, Banglalink, and Teletalk, are calling for the effective enforcement of SMP guidelines to ensure fair competition. Despite regulations imposed on Grameenphone, only a few have been implemented. Industry leaders stress the need for reforms, collaboration, and investment to foster healthy competition.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun invited Elon Musk to Beirut after Musk expressed interest in Lebanon’s telecom sector. Discussions around Starlink satellite internet highlight hopes for improving Lebanon’s unstable telecom infrastructure amid financial and reconstruction challenges.
Orbitworks unveils Altair, a 10-satellite AI-enabled Earth observation constellation featuring multi-sensor payloads and onboard edge computing. The UAE’s investment positions it as a regional satellite manufacturing hub, targeting rapid real-time data for critical applications amid a booming global space market.
Bangladesh has granted Starlink a 10-year operating license, allowing the satellite internet provider to offer high-speed services across the country. This makes Bangladesh the second South Asian nation to approve Starlink’s operations. The move is expected to boost competition in the broadband and mobile internet markets.
Jordan’s telecommunications sector experienced growth in Q3 2024, with mobile broadband subscriptions reaching 8.259 million. Key highlights include a rise in 5G adoption, increased broadband data consumption, and a 37% increase in mobile broadband usage. Fixed-line and broadband services also saw notable growth.