Bangladesh’s ICT Roadmap 2030 envisions a digital transformation that positions the country as a global tech leader. Focused on job creation, skills development, cybersecurity, and innovation, it aims to foster a robust ICT infrastructure, digital inclusion, and sustainability. The roadmap will drive economic growth and improve quality of life.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has reduced the national usage of terrestrial bandwidth from India to 50%, aiming to create a fairer competition between submarine and terrestrial cable operators. The move also includes raising the revenue-sharing rate for ITCs and increasing the market share target for submarine cables.
Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait-Egypt has partnered with Visa to enhance digital payment solutions in Egypt. The strategic agreement will introduce new products, focusing on innovation and security to cater to diverse customer needs. The partnership aims to boost Egypt’s digital transformation and promote the adoption of electronic payments.
Moov Africa Gabon, a subsidiary of Maroc Telecom, avoided nationalization despite Gabon’s recent economic shifts under new leadership. While the country nationalized key energy firms, the telecommunications sector remained untouched. Maroc Telecom holds a 52% market share, with rival Ariel Gabon at 48%, ensuring stability for the telecom market.
eTrade for Women is expanding its efforts in South Asia with a masterclass focused on empowering women-led digital businesses. The event, held in New Delhi, will bring together 25 female entrepreneurs from across the region to gain insights, skills, and networking opportunities to help grow their businesses.
Bangladesh’s mobile financial services transactions are projected to exceed Tk 25 lakh crore by 2025, reflecting the rapid growth of digital financial services. The Bangladesh Bank has upgraded its RTGS system and is working on a mobile interoperability platform to further enhance financial accessibility and security.
Zain Group has launched its Global M2M offering to simplify IoT connectivity for OEMs across the Middle East. The solution streamlines integration, ensures regulatory compliance, and reduces operational costs by providing a single point of connectivity. Zain aims to be the preferred partner for digital transformation in the region.
Saudi Arabia’s transportation sector experienced record demand during Ramadan, with the Haramain High-Speed Railway carrying over 1.2 million passengers. Public transport buses, ride-hailing, car rentals, and logistics also saw significant growth. These achievements reflect the success of regulatory efforts and the country’s ongoing commitment to Vision 2030’s goals.
In 2024, Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) conducted 148 inspections and reviewed over 11,400 telecom device import applications. Violations related to imports decreased significantly, reflecting improved compliance. TRA emphasized the importance of licensing and adhering to technical regulations to prevent interference and ensure optimal use of the frequency spectrum.
Iran is set to establish its first AI park in Tehran by 2026, aiming to drive technological progress and provide key AI services. The country also plans to host an international AI conference to promote collaboration and innovation in the field.
