Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Kazakhstan has completed an interface station for the OneWeb satellite network, aiming to start commercial services within the year. Additionally, the nation is developing a new satellite constellation for Earth observation. Meanwhile, over 170 villages now have satellite internet access, despite recent controversies in the digital ministry.
Kyrgyzstan has launched a pilot project to test non-geostationary satellite systems, advancing its digital agenda and expanding high-speed internet access nationwide. The initiative, signed into law by President Sadyr Japarov, aims to close the digital divide and enable innovative telecom technologies.
The UAE has set a global record in fibre-to-the-home coverage, reaching 99.5% nationwide, maintaining its position as the world leader since 2016. e& UAE’s extensive fibre-optic infrastructure now connects 2.88 million homes, supporting the country’s digital transformation and positioning it as a global hub for connectivity.
Egypt’s TIEC continues to empower tech startups through its Start IT incubation program and new digital perks platform, while the Global Fatwa Index advances understanding of AI’s ethical use in Islamic legal rulings, underscoring Egypt’s leadership in innovation and religious scholarship in the digital era.
Kacific and Supernet join forces to expand satellite broadband connectivity in Pakistan’s rural regions, enhancing digital access through combined market expertise and advanced satellite technology.
Maroc Telecom and Inwi have launched Uni Fiber and Uni Tower to drive FTTH and 5G expansion in Morocco, targeting 1M fiber connections in two years and 6,000 towers in a decade. The joint ventures will invest MAD 4.4B in the first phase, offering open-access infrastructure to all operators.
Bangladesh leads mobile money growth globally with significant increases in digital loans, savings, and insurance via bKash, boosting financial inclusion and digital finance adoption.
Nepal’s digital platforms are evolving into integrated ecosystems, combining content, interaction, and payments to meet rising mobile-first user expectations and drive continuous engagement.
Pakistan’s telecom and digital sectors face a growing cybersecurity threat, with 720 malware attacks, 550 phishing incidents, and significant activity from APT groups like Gamaredon and Lazarus. These attacks target critical infrastructure, urging enhanced security measures to protect the country’s digital economy and national security.
Algérie Télécom has received the “Giga City Excellence” award at the Broadband Development Congress in Paris for its Idoom Fibre service, which serves nearly 1.5 million customers. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and reinforces its status as a leader in the telecommunications sector in Algeria and Africa.