Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Microsoft has surpassed its goal of connecting 100 million Africans, now reaching 117 million through diverse partnerships and technologies. The company’s next phase focuses on digital skills, blended finance, and measurable economic impact, supported by initiatives such as its new African Development Bank partnership targeting agriculture, SME growth, and connectivity gaps.
BSCL has signed agreements to deploy Starlink internet across schools in Khagrachhari, Bandarban, and Rangamati, improving digital access in Bangladesh’s hill districts. Starlink terminals will enable online learning and virtual classes for remote students. Installations are underway, with an initial rollout to 100 schools and a target of 450.
STC Bahrain introduced the country’s first VAT‑free telecom shopping for tourists through Planet VAT Free. Visitors spending BD100 or more in cash can claim refunds, boosting savings and the tourism retail appeal. The initiative aligns with Bahrain’s strategy to grow shopper tourism, increase visitor spending, and strengthen its status among Gulf destinations.
The African Union Commission has launched a four-day workshop to validate key data governance frameworks supporting Africa’s Digital Single Market by 2030. The draft frameworks address data categorisation, cross-border flows, and open data, aiming to harmonise regulations, strengthen governance, and unlock major economic value across the continent. Final adoption will follow AU review.
Vodafone Qatar is enhancing the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 match-day experience with new in-stadium fan activations. Spectators can be named Fan of the Match or Family of the Match, appear on stadium screens, and win prizes by posting selfies before halftime. The initiative strengthens community engagement and tournament atmosphere.
The conclusion of WTDC-25 saw ITU member states adopt the Baku Action Plan, a 2026–2029 roadmap for inclusive global connectivity. Despite 6 billion people now online, the new Global Connectivity Report highlights deep regional and gender divides, ongoing affordability barriers, and rising environmental and digital-wellbeing concerns that continue to slow global progress.
Hytera and Vodafone Qatar have signed an MoU to strengthen mission-critical communication services for key industries in Qatar. The partnership combines Vodafone’s network strength with Hytera’s professional communications expertise to deliver secure, reliable, and future-ready solutions supporting public safety, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and construction as the country advances digital transformation.
Asiacell and LigaData have achieved new progress in their AI transformation partnership, leveraging GPU-enabled AI Fabric and the LigaData Data Platform to unify data, accelerate predictive modeling, and enable real-time insights. The collaboration strengthens Asiacell’s move toward intelligent, AI-powered operations and sets the foundation for advanced telecom use cases.
Tenable has launched a new legal entity in Saudi Arabia to support the Kingdom’s fast-growing digital ecosystem and Vision 2030 ambitions. The expansion strengthens access to its Exposure Management Platform, aligns with national cybersecurity frameworks, and addresses the rising threat of AI-driven cyberattacks across giga-projects, cloud environments, and expanding IoT networks.
69% of payments executives see their organisations as leaders, yet fewer than half prioritise innovation as legacy systems and internal…