Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
China hosted a two-week media training programme under the Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on the role of AI in reshaping the media landscape. The event gathered professionals from several countries to discuss AI’s ethical implications, global competition, and infrastructure challenges.
Ooredoo Qatar has partnered with Ericsson to enhance its 5G network, deploying advanced RAN and microwave backhaul solutions. This collaboration will expand coverage, especially in remote areas, improve indoor and outdoor capacity, and enable enhanced 5G services, including the use of new spectrum and backhaul technologies.
Finja has secured additional investment in its Series A round from Habib Bank Limited (HBL), joining previous investors. The investment will support Finja’s efforts to provide digital loans to Pakistan’s SMEs, a crucial sector for the country’s economy. HBL’s involvement strengthens Pakistan’s fintech landscape and digital financial inclusion.
Huawei launches four intelligent networking solutions in Bangladesh—Xinghe Intelligent Fabric, Campus, WAN, and Unified Secure Access SASE—targeting core infrastructure challenges in finance, education, manufacturing, and public sectors to drive digital transformation and improve organizational communications.
BBK has partnered with Batelco to offer exclusive smart home packages and fiber internet deals for mortgage loan customers during the “Innovation in Social Housing” Summit. This initiative aims to introduce modern smart living solutions to Bahraini families, supporting digital transformation in the housing sector.
Qvantel has secured a major contract with VEON to provide managed services for BSS operations across its digital operators, including Jazz, Banglalink, and Kyivstar. This partnership will enable VEON to rapidly develop and monetize digital services while accelerating their digital transformation with a flexible and scalable BSS platform.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has launched Wi-Fi 7 access points in the UAE, offering 30% more capacity and enhanced security for enterprise applications. Announced at HPE Discover Dubai, these APs support AI, IoT, and more, while HPE’s Digital Life Garage showcases their transformative impact on technology and society.
Morocco leads Africa as the most technologically advanced country, excelling in ICT and high-tech manufacturing. While pioneering in 3G and advancing in digital transformation, Morocco is preparing for 5G and ranked highly in global ICT indices. Challenges remain in financial digitization, with cash transactions still predominant.
Travelers from Asia and Europe can now make mobile payments at over 875,000 merchants in Nepal, thanks to a partnership between Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL) and Ant International. The service, which supports multiple payment apps, aims to boost tourism and enhance global payment connectivity in Nepal.
Ooredoo Group has signed an agreement with Alcatel Submarine Networks to build the Fibre in Gulf (FIG) subsea cable, connecting six GCC countries and Iraq. The cable will offer high capacity and low-latency routes to Europe, benefiting businesses, data centers, and digital industries by enhancing connectivity and security.