Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ooredoo has secured Kuwait’s first Fibre in the Gulf (FIG) submarine cable landing, enhancing regional and global connectivity. With a capacity of up to 480 Tbps, the cable will support cloud services, AI, and digital transformation. This project strengthens Kuwait’s position as a key data transit hub.
The UAE Cabinet has established the Supreme Space Council, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, to oversee space sector policies and strategies. The council will focus on developing national priorities, enhancing space security, and fostering international partnerships to advance the UAE’s space ambitions.
Qist Bazaar, a Karachi-based fintech, has raised $3.2 million in Series A funding to expand its BNPL services across Pakistan. The startup focuses on making essential goods accessible to the underbanked, enhancing both product offerings and technological infrastructure.
BTechnologie inaugurated its Center of Excellence in Rabat, marking a milestone in Morocco’s tech innovation. The center, a collaboration between Bouygues Telecom and Accenture, will focus on AI, 5G, data science, and software development. It aims to position Morocco as a leading tech hub, employing over 1,000 professionals.
Starlink has applied to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for a licence to operate in Bangladesh. With approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Starlink’s entry into the market would introduce satellite internet services under new NGSO guidelines. Pricing and reliability will be key for market success.
Bangladesh’s telecom consumers, entrepreneurs, and experts are calling for internet access to be recognized as a fundamental right in the country’s constitution. They also demand the inclusion of data privacy and protection clauses, highlighting the economic impact of internet shutdowns and the need for secure data handling in the digital age.
Oman Broadband Company has achieved a milestone of 301,000 active subscribers to its fibre optic network, with coverage expanding to approximately 881,103 units. The company aims to reach one million units across Oman within a year, emphasizing its commitment to delivering high-quality services and supporting telecommunications providers.
The Bangladesh government has committed to abolishing internet shutdown policies, reducing service costs, and improving quality through deregulation and reforms. These steps include implementing a new network topology and performance-based regulatory model to enhance internet accessibility and infrastructure, while also addressing the needs of underserved areas.
du and Huawei have launched the Youth Digital Pioneers Program to equip young people in the UAE with cutting-edge digital skills. The program includes immersive training in technologies like 5G, cloud computing, and the Metaverse, preparing participants for future careers in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Egypt’s telecommunications sector has experienced significant growth, with its GDP contribution increasing from 3.2 percent to 5.8 percent. The outsourcing sector expanded by 54 percent, and Egypt now ranks first in Africa for internet speed. The country also improved its digital transformation and cybersecurity rankings.