Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan’s mobile data prices have dropped by 65% since 2018, making it the most affordable in the region and sixth cheapest worldwide. Regulatory efforts and strong market competition have driven this decline, supporting greater digital inclusion nationwide.
Kale Logistics Solutions and Novel Muscat have won a contract from Oman’s Ministry of Transport to develop the National Port Community System, a digital platform to streamline cargo operations across Oman’s transport hubs. The initiative supports Oman’s Logistics Sector Strategy 2040 and aims to enhance trade facilitation, operational efficiency, and economic growth.
Oman’s telecom sector grew strongly in early 2025 with rising postpaid and IoT subscriptions, highlighting a shift toward digital technologies and smart services. While mobile broadband and fiber optic subscriptions increased, traditional fixed-line services like ADSL and satellite declined significantly.
Mastercard and Vantage Payment Systems have partnered to expand digital payment technologies and financial inclusion in Morocco. The collaboration will enhance Mastercard card acceptance across multiple channels and introduce secure, advanced solutions such as tokenization and digital wallets, supporting Morocco’s growing digital economy.
Mohamed Benchaaboun’s appointment as Chairman ushers in a transformative phase for Maroc Telecom amid challenges including hefty regulatory fines and the urgent 5G rollout ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Strategic alliances with rivals and international partners aim to modernize infrastructure and expand regional influence, reflecting a balance of legacy and innovation under seasoned technocratic leadership.
Kuwait’s CITRA has proposed a new draft regulation to oversee mobile and virtual telecom service distributors, focusing on licensing, operational standards, and enhanced oversight. The initiative promotes transparency, fair competition, and improved service quality, inviting stakeholder input before finalization.
Jordan Source and IFC hosted a three-day tour for global tech leaders to showcase Jordan’s growing digital economy and outsourcing capabilities. Featuring industry panels, site visits, and cultural experiences, the event highlighted Jordan’s innovation ecosystem, skilled talent, and strategic role in regional technology and fintech growth.
Smart glasses are experiencing a major comeback as AI advancements enable more useful, context-aware features. Leading tech companies including Snap, Meta, Google, Apple, and Amazon are developing next-generation eyewear that integrates AI for real-time object recognition, translation, and conversational assistance. While challenges like privacy, cost, and consumer adoption remain, market growth projections signal strong potential for smart glasses to become the next transformative technology platform.
Digital Bangladesh Mela 2023 launches in Dhaka featuring Huawei as titanium sponsor, showcasing innovations in 5.5G, cloud, digital power, and smart technologies. The event supports Bangladesh’s Smart Bangladesh 2041 vision by highlighting transformative digital solutions and engaging visitors with interactive demos and quizzes.
Bangladesh’s new three-tier licensing framework aims to modernize the telecom sector and improve regulation, but it faces mixed reactions. While major mobile operators support the move, mid-level domestic firms warn it favors foreign players and threatens local businesses. The government is investigating past corruption, with hopes of greater transparency ahead.