Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ooredoo Qatar will invest more than $500 million to build new terrestrial cable routes linking Iraq, Oman and Turkey. The project is designed to speed up data traffic, increase network resilience and offer alternatives to vulnerable maritime cables. It also supports Qatar’s growing regional role in digital infrastructure and cross-border connectivity.
Asiacell and Seamless Distribution Systems have launched a next-generation S&D platform to modernize Iraq’s telecom retail ecosystem. Announced at MWC Doha 2025, the new unified system enhances operational efficiency, improves reseller performance and strengthens customer engagement through real-time analytics. The rollout builds on a decade of collaboration focused on digital and prepaid innovation.
Rology, an Egypt-based AI teleradiology startup, has raised new funding from leading global healthcare investors to expand its diagnostics platform across underserved MEA markets. With FDA-cleared AI, high reporting accuracy and more than 1.3 million reports delivered, the company is strengthening its regional footprint following expansions into Saudi Arabia and Kenya.
Egypt Post has introduced Felousy, the nation’s first fully digital investment-fund platform, offering access to more than 40 funds across multiple asset classes. Operated by PFI Investment Services, the platform supports Egypt’s digital-transformation agenda while expanding retail investment access. Additional launches include enhanced digital payments, cross-border transfers and new smart logistics services.
BSCL has signed agreements with hill district councils to deploy Starlink internet in schools across Khagrachhari, Bandarban and Rangamati. The project aims to improve digital learning access in remote areas by providing high-speed, reliable connectivity. With an initial rollout to 100 schools and a goal of 450, the initiative supports the government’s push for inclusive, technology-driven education.
STC Bahrain has introduced the kingdom’s first VAT-free shopping initiative for tourists, enabling VAT refunds on select telecom purchases of BD100 or more. Developed with Planet VAT Free, the program enhances Bahrain’s appeal as a retail and tourism destination, encourages higher tourist spending, and supports the kingdom’s broader strategy to grow its travel and retail economy.
The African Union Commission has begun a four-day validation process to finalise key continental data governance frameworks that will harmonise regulations, secure cross-border data flows and support the creation of Africa’s Digital Single Market by 2030. The initiative aims to strengthen trust, promote innovation, and ensure responsible, inclusive and rights-focused data use across all Member States.
Vodafone Qatar is enhancing the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 fan experience with new in-stadium activations that reward supporters for sharing their match-day moments. Attendees can enter the #FanOfTheMatch and #FamilyOfTheMatch contests by posting selfies before halftime, with winners receiving tech prizes and appearing on stadium screens, reinforcing a community-driven tournament atmosphere.
Hytera and Vodafone Qatar have expanded their long-running partnership with a new MoU announced at MWC Doha 2025. The agreement focuses on delivering secure and reliable mission-critical communications for Qatar’s major industries, combining Vodafone’s network strength with Hytera’s advanced technologies. The collaboration aims to enhance operational resilience, improve safety, and support nationwide digital transformation.
Angola Cables has launched Luanda-02, its third cloud node in Angola, strengthening its Clouds2Africa platform and advancing national data sovereignty. The company also introduced Acelera Clouds, a programme offering free cloud services to startups. These moves aim to expand local cloud capacity, reduce international dependency, and accelerate Angola’s digital economy.