Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Vodacom reported a 13% increase in service revenue driven by strong growth in Egypt and the DRC, while fintech services continued expanding rapidly, highlighting the growing importance of international markets and mobile financial services in supporting the group’s overall performance.
DiDi Egypt has partnered with RiseUp Summit 2026 to support entrepreneurship and innovation in Egypt, highlighting its role in digital transformation and sustainable mobility while engaging with startups, investors and technology leaders at one of the region’s largest innovation gatherings.
Vodafone IoT and Hyundai Motor Group have partnered to deploy connected car services across five Middle Eastern markets, enabling secure and compliant in-car connectivity through Global SIM technology while supporting the growth of software-defined vehicles and expanding IoT-driven mobility services across the region.
Ooredoo Group has partnered with Polystar to deploy a unified analytics platform across mobile and fixed networks, using AI and advanced data processing to improve network performance, operational efficiency and customer experience while supporting the operator’s broader digital transformation and 5G-driven analytics strategy.
Nigeria’s NCC and NDPC have signed an MoU to strengthen data protection and privacy in the telecommunications sector, aligning regulatory responsibilities and improving oversight as digital services expand, with the agreement aimed at safeguarding consumer data, enhancing governance and supporting the country’s growing digital economy.
Vodafone Egypt and Talabat Egypt have partnered to include Talabat Pro in Vodafone RED plans, combining telecom services with food delivery and digital commerce benefits as both companies expand into lifestyle-focused offerings amid growing demand for integrated mobile and app-based services in Egypt’s digital economy.
Vodafone Qatar concluded its participation at Web Summit Qatar 2026, showcasing digital solutions supporting business growth and innovation while signing partnerships focused on talent development and startup enablement, reinforcing its role in advancing Qatar’s digital economy and aligning with national digital transformation objectives.
Bangladesh and Japan have signed a defence equipment and technology transfer agreement, creating a legal framework for deeper security cooperation, enabling access to advanced technologies and joint development opportunities while reflecting Japan’s expanding Indo-Pacific partnerships and Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify defence relationships amid evolving regional security dynamics.
Pakistan is set to host Indus AI Week 2026, a nationwide initiative aimed at accelerating AI development, strengthening local innovation ecosystems, and positioning the country as an active participant in global AI governance and technology creation through policy dialogue, innovation programmes and industry collaboration.
Pakistan’s mobile phone industry is preparing for a mid-year 5G rollout, with local manufacturers aligning production and technology strategies, though adoption is expected to grow gradually as spectrum allocation, network deployment and handset affordability shape early market uptake across major urban centres.