Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale transactions surged 20.4% in the last week of August, with telecommunications leading the growth at 42%. Total transactions amounted to $3.7 billion. The education sector saw a 38.6% decline, while food and beverages spending rose by 40.8%.
Bangladesh’s telecom operators lost 3.65 million mobile subscribers and 2.2 million internet users during the July-August uprising, according to the BTRC. The largest losses were seen by Banglalink and Robi Axiata. The reasons behind the significant drop in subscribers remain unclear.
Connect Money, an Egyptian fintech startup, raised $8 million in seed funding to expand in Egypt and Morocco. The funds will support new business verticals and enhance technological capabilities. Founded in 2024, Connect Money offers a white-label card issuing platform and various financial solutions, aiming to transform banking operations in North Africa.
Grameenphone and Robi Axiata have secured an additional 20 MHz of spectrum each in Bangladesh’s 2.6 GHz band after two years of negotiations with the BTRC. The 15-year contracts, priced at BDT11.6 billion (US$98.6 million), will help improve service quality. The BTRC agreed to payment in local currency to address exchange rate concerns.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies has partnered with Globalstar to deliver advanced 5G connectivity solutions across Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf. The collaboration grants Liquid exclusive rights to distribute Globalstar’s XCOM RAN 5G private network solution, aiming to revolutionize industries like mining and support AI-driven applications in these regions.
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.
The 2024 E-Government Development Index highlights six African countries among the top 100 for utilizing information technologies in public services. South Africa leads in Africa, followed by Mauritius, Tunisia, Morocco, Seychelles, and Egypt, showcasing significant advancements in e-governance.
Ooredoo, in partnership with Tech Mahindra, has advanced its digital transformation, enhancing customer experiences in Oman. This initiative involves revamping Ooredoo’s CRM and integrating advanced billing systems, streamlining operations and preparing for future telecom innovations, demonstrating Ooredoo’s commitment to providing cutting-edge digital solutions.
Grameenphone’s MyGP app has won the Asian Technology Award 2024, recognized for its role in revolutionizing telecommunications in Bangladesh with user-friendly features like account management, one-tap payments, and live streaming.
Bahrain is enhancing its transportation and telecommunications services through digital transformation, streamlining processes and increasing efficiency across ports, maritime, and civil aviation sectors.
