Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Chad and Niger have launched talks on fiber interconnection under the TSR project, seeking submarine cable access through coastal states to overcome digital isolation. Like other landlocked African nations, they face high transit costs and infrastructure challenges but are exploring redundancy links, satellite internet, IXPs, and data centers to boost resilience.
The AGP has accused Jazz of overcharging customers Rs6.58 billion in FY2023-24, citing weak PTA oversight and blanket tariff approvals. While auditors recommended a formal inquiry, Jazz rejected the allegations, insisting it fully complied with regulatory approvals. PTA’s official response remains pending.
Iraq’s Ministry of Communications denied reports of a contract with Vodafone, clarifying that the mobile license project remains in its initial phase. The ministry rejected the claims as election-driven misinformation, affirming transparency in its work and reserving the right to counter efforts to discredit its national projects.
Jazz, in partnership with the Universal Service Fund, has delivered 24 completed projects providing 4G to over 10.4 million people in 4,900+ unserved areas. With five new projects in 2025, Jazz will connect nearly one million more people, reinforcing its mission of building an inclusive Digital Pakistan.
The NCC will roll out a cybersecurity framework next month to curb hacking, ransomware, and spam in Nigeria’s telecoms sector. CEO Aminu Maida also addressed data depletion concerns, noting it stems from consumer habits. NCC is pushing fibre expansion and fair backbone pricing to ensure affordable nationwide broadband access.
DITO Telecommunity has partnered with Rakuten Viber to give Filipinos affordable, seamless connectivity through free Viber data, unlimited calls, and expanded features like Viber Plus and Viber Dating. The initiative, under DITO’s “Kaya DITO” campaign, enhances digital lifestyles with meaningful, secure, and fast connections nationwide.
Batelco by Beyon has launched Jawaher Deals, an expansion of its Jawaher loyalty programme, in partnership with Savur. The platform offers exclusive lifestyle discounts and rewards, from gyms and beauty centers to clinics and restaurants, reinforcing Batelco’s commitment to customer value, loyalty, and everyday convenience.
Airtel Tanzania and ZICTIA have signed an MoU to boost broadband infrastructure, expand digital and financial inclusion, and support e-government and community services in Zanzibar. The partnership aligns with government priorities to accelerate digital transformation and foster innovation-driven, inclusive growth.
Ghana and Burkina Faso are finalising a frequency coordination agreement to resolve cross-border mobile signal interference. Regulators NCA and ARCEP, along with operators, are setting new technical thresholds following joint monitoring exercises. The move follows consumer complaints and mirrors similar cross-border cooperation initiatives in Africa.
Lenovo has launched a new regional headquarters in Riyadh and appointed its Saudi leadership team as part of a broader collaboration with PIF-owned ALAT. Together, they are building a 200,000 sqm advanced manufacturing facility set to open in 2026, with projected contributions of up to US$10 billion to non-oil GDP by 2030.