Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Morocco has approved the use of digital payment terminals and prepaid cards for foreign currency exchange, modernising a traditionally cash-based sector. The reform aims to reduce cash circulation, improve transparency, support compliance standards, and facilitate spending by tourists as international payments and cross-border e-commerce continue to grow.
Zain Omantel International and Zain Kuwait enabled a Guinness World Record-setting remote surgery between Kuwait and Brazil using ultra-low latency connectivity. Achieving just 199ms latency over 12,000km, the project demonstrates how advanced, resilient digital infrastructure can support real-time medical innovation at global scale.
du and Huawei have deployed the world’s first 25Gbps E-Band microwave link for 5G-Advanced, delivering fibre-equivalent capacity in fibre-scarce areas. The three-year partnership supports scalable, high-performance network expansion across the UAE while laying technical foundations for future 6G services.
Airtel Africa will deploy Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite service across 14 African markets in 2026, initially supporting SMS and text messaging. The partnership aims to extend basic mobile connectivity to remote areas by complementing terrestrial networks, subject to regulatory approvals in each country.
Egypt’s retail sector is accelerating digital transformation through new partnerships in fuel and food retail. Mastercard and Fuelin are digitising fleet fuel payments, while e& Egypt is rolling out connectivity, e-payments, and loyalty systems across subsidised food cooperatives, improving efficiency, transparency, and customer experience.
Ethio Telecom is expanding telehealth services to 200 additional hospitals after extending its 4G network to 93 more cities. The move supports Ethiopia’s national digital transformation goals by improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas, and strengthening the role of mobile connectivity in delivering digital medical services.
Omantel and Archangel Lightworks have partnered to trial and deploy laser-optic satellite communications in Oman from 2026, aiming to integrate optical ground stations with terrestrial networks. The collaboration positions Oman as a regional hub for advanced satellite connectivity, hybrid RF-optical links, and next-generation digital infrastructure.
The Medusa submarine cable has successfully landed in Nador, Morocco, advancing a major Mediterranean connectivity project linking Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The open-access landing station strengthens Morocco’s role as a regional digital hub while supporting resilient, high-capacity international data routes.
stc and Ericsson have strengthened their long-standing partnership through a five-year agreement focused on accelerating 5G expansion, cloud-native networks, and advanced connectivity across Saudi Arabia. The deal supports enterprise innovation, digital inclusion, and national digital infrastructure goals aligned with Vision 2030.
The implementation of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) systems in supply chain operations represents a breakthrough for logistics, procurement, and inventory…