Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Prepaid mobile users in Qatar are calling on authorities to address concerns over high rates and short validity durations of telecom packages. Following a report by The Peninsula, many users voiced their dissatisfaction on social media, urging for more affordable and customer-friendly mobile service options in the country.
Starlink is set to launch its satellite internet service in Pakistan by November or December 2025. The service is in the final stages of the licensing process, with a regulatory framework being developed. Starlink’s infrastructure deployment is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
PayTic, a Moroccan fintech startup, has raised $4 million to expand its payment automation solutions into North and Sub-Saharan Africa. The funding will support the company’s mission to streamline payment processes for card issuers, including reconciliation and chargeback management, tapping into Africa’s growing digital payments market.
Lebanon has launched the “LEAP” initiative, a five-year digital transformation plan aiming to position the country as a regional tech hub powered by AI. The plan focuses on AI integration across government sectors, legislation, partnerships, and infrastructure improvements, with the goal of transforming Lebanon into a leader in innovation and technology.
Mastercard has partnered with PayTabs Group to provide a digital payment platform for SMEs in Egypt. The platform aims to simplify and secure payment processes, promote contactless payments, and support Egypt’s digital transformation. This collaboration enhances payment acceptance and financial inclusion for businesses in the country.
Zain has won the Service Hero Customer Satisfaction Index Awards for the 13th time, leading both the Mobile Operators and Internet Service Providers categories in Kuwait for 2024. This achievement reflects Zain’s continued excellence in customer service and its dominant position in the telecom and digital services sector in Kuwait.
Jordan’s mobile phone imports in Q1 2025 totaled 306,000 units worth JD38.6 million, a slight increase in value compared to the previous year. However, the quantity dropped significantly due to rising global smartphone prices. Pricing variations were influenced by consumer demand, with high-end models dominating in markets like the US.
Iraq is emerging as a crucial digital and commercial transit hub, connecting Europe and the Middle East with its new digital corridor. Strategic investments in telecom infrastructure are providing low-latency, resilient routes for global carriers, service providers, and hyperscalers, mitigating risks in the Red Sea and offering diverse connectivity options.
Bangladesh plans to overhaul its ICT and telecom policies by June to eliminate barriers to digital growth. Key reforms include the Cyber Security Ordinance, telecom licensing changes, and full digital payment interoperability. These measures aim to strengthen citizen services, digital payments, and empower the youth population through technology.
Algeria is launching new specialized investment funds to support the growth of startups in various sectors, including energy, AI, and ICT. With a target of 20,000 startups by 2029, the government is collaborating with international institutions to enable local startups to expand into African and Arab markets.