Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Grameenphone, Bangladesh’s largest telecom operator, controls nearly half of the market despite SMP regulations. Rivals Robi and Banglalink accuse it of anti-competitive practices and have filed complaints with the Competition Commission. Regulators continue to face pressure to enforce rules that curb dominance while keeping the sector competitive.
Bangladesh’s new telecom policy has cleared the path for MVNOs, enabling BTCL to launch mobile SIMs and app-based voice services. The state-owned operator plans to introduce triple-play and quad-play services, expanding consumer choice, competition, and digital inclusion through flexible, affordable packages.
Bangladesh’s new telecom policy formally recognizes MVNOs, reduces licensing categories from 12+ to four, and introduces a unified, technology-neutral framework. It sets foreign ownership caps, strict fibre rollout deadlines, SMP regulations, and environmental obligations, positioning the country for greater competition, digital innovation, and sustainable telecom growth.
Bahrain Space Agency CEO Dr. Mohammed Al-Asiri joined the “Golden Dome: Data and AI” forum in the U.S., which explored AI-enabled space defense systems. He emphasized Bahrain’s focus on peaceful applications aligned with UN goals, as experts predicted a shift to fully autonomous systems and called for global regulatory frameworks.
Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME), in partnership with BCG, will host its next Decarbonisation Roundtable in Manama on October 7, 2025, focusing on green energy scale-up and funding. Experts from industry, finance, and government will explore energy innovation, financing models, and regulatory pathways to accelerate the region’s net-zero transition.
Figure AI has raised over $1 billion in Series C funding at a $39B valuation, backed by Arcapita, Parkway Venture Capital, Brookfield, NVIDIA, Salesforce, Intel Capital, and others. The company develops humanoid robots for industrial and commercial use, with Brookfield supporting large-scale pilot deployments and AI infrastructure.
Bahrain’s internet users now benefit from triple the upload speeds and faster downloads after regulators mandated higher entry-level fibre speeds. The move strengthens Bahrain’s digital infrastructure, improves user experience, and supports innovation in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The University of Continuing Formation (UFC) launched Algeria’s National Week for Digital Education, showcasing advances in online learning, faculty training, and digital platforms. With over 683 online lessons, 68 platforms, and a new partnership granting access to 12,000 digital books, UFC is cementing its role as a leader in digital transformation.
Algeria has launched “DZ Travellers,” a digital portal offering consular support, emergency guidance, and risk information for citizens abroad. The platform strengthens crisis response mechanisms and aligns with Algeria’s digital transformation strategy, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of public services for Algerians worldwide.
Algeria’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has launched a robotics “Training of Trainers” program in Annaba to expand digital education nationwide. The initiative leverages Skills Centers as free learning hubs in AI, robotics, and cybersecurity, with plans to extend their presence beyond Setif, Annaba, Chlef, and Oran.