Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Italy, Albania, and the UAE have signed a €1 billion deal to build a subsea interconnection for importing renewable energy across the Adriatic Sea. This project aims to strengthen regional power links, enhance energy security, and promote clean energy, contributing to sustainable development in the Mediterranean region.
OpenSignal’s report on mobile network experience across Africa reveals vast differences in speed and quality. South Africa leads in download speeds, while many countries face challenges with inconsistent service. Reliance on outdated 2G and 3G networks and high “no signal” time further exacerbate these disparities, underscoring the need for infrastructure improvements.
African startups like Soil Regen Guy, Afrisoul, LiquidGold, Arumloo, and FOST are pioneering affordable, scalable water-saving technologies to tackle the continent’s water scarcity crisis. Their solutions target smallholder farmers, schools, communities, and large farms, combining innovation with local relevance to conserve water, boost agricultural productivity, and improve sanitation.
Northstar Telecom has partnered with HADE Middle East to provide leadership coaching and digital transformation training for ICT and telecom professionals in Bahrain. The collaboration aims to enhance skills across the public and private sectors, supporting Bahrain’s digital transformation and preparing professionals for evolving leadership challenges.
Algeria plans to introduce 40 new digital vocational training specialties next academic year to support its National Digital Transformation Strategy. This initiative aims to train 500,000 ICT specialists by 2030, reduce brain drain by 40%, and align workforce skills with economic demands, reinforcing the country’s tech ecosystem and youth employability.
Kazakhstan plans to connect nearly all rural settlements to high-speed internet by 2027 via fiber-optic and satellite infrastructure, backed by a $470 million investment. This expansion aims to enhance education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in remote areas.
Algeria’s government has approved the deployment of 5G technology, ordering detailed studies to ensure a comprehensive and effective rollout. The project aims to boost the economy, enhance digital infrastructure, and improve public services. With strategic applications in key sectors, 5G is seen as a driver for national growth and innovation.
Dubai Islands Nakheel, a 17-square-kilometer coastal development, is redefining Dubai’s real estate market. Featuring luxury residences, hotels, and cultural venues, it combines sustainable urban living with cutting-edge digital marketing. The project’s digital-first approach provides global investors seamless access to investment opportunities through platforms like dubai-islands.org.
PTCL Group CEO Hatem Bamatraf announced a two-year integration plan following the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan at GITEX. The merger aims to enhance connectivity and digital innovation in Pakistan, with immediate network quality improvements expected post-regulatory approvals, fostering socio-economic development and technological advancement.
Pakistan’s 3G and 4G user base declined slightly in December 2024, with operators facing challenges in sustaining mobile service growth. The PTA also reported efficient complaint resolution, with 99% of consumer grievances addressed.