Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Harvard graduates Nicole Mao and Yiwei Zhu have built a successful startup in Bangladesh, creating a battery-swapping network for electric rickshaws. This innovative network, which aims to reach 1,000 stations next year, is gaining rapid popularity and is helping transform urban transportation in the country.
NITDA and Cisco have signed an MoU to advance AI and smart agriculture in Nigeria. This partnership will implement pilot projects in AI, broadband, smart agriculture, and technology learning hubs, aligning with national goals for digitisation, food security, and economic growth.
Royal Rapchee, a new OTT platform, has launched to offer affordable, premium content across South Asia and the Middle East. With a focus on fresh talent and culturally relevant material, it plans to expand regionally and offer AI-driven recommendations, high-speed streaming, and offline viewing with multiple subscription options.
Huawei’s ‘Cloud TechWave Bangladesh 2025’ workshop enhanced local ICT skills in AI, big data, and cloud technologies with training led by Asia Pacific experts.
PTCL’s merger with Telenor Pakistan is moving towards approval with a new $1 billion investment offer. The deal, anticipated to enhance mobile competition, could position Ufone as the second-largest telecom provider in Pakistan, benefiting consumers with better services.
Africa has the lowest internet usage rate globally, with only 38% of the population online in 2024, far below the global average. High costs, limited digital skills, and poor infrastructure, especially in rural areas, hinder access. The ITU urges stronger policies and investment to address digital inequalities and improve connectivity.
Jordan has made significant improvements in international rankings for internet download speeds, climbing to 84th place in cellular services and 31st in fixed internet, driven by regulatory efforts and the upcoming rollout of 5G services. These advancements highlight the nation’s commitment to enhancing its digital infrastructure.
Zain KSA has partnered with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to improve the pilgrim experience through the ‘Nusk Hajj’ platform. This collaboration focuses on enhancing telecom services for visitors and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to welcome 30 million pilgrims annually while ensuring top-notch digital experiences.
Grameen Digital Healthcare Solutions (GDHS) has partnered with Robi Axiata to improve digital healthcare access in Bangladesh. The collaboration will expand GDHS’s Shukhee app, offering services like video consultations and home lab tests to underserved communities. This partnership aims to make healthcare more accessible nationwide.
Egypt has achieved the highest landline internet speeds in Africa and ranks second continentally, fifth globally, for affordable high-speed internet at $8.31 monthly. These advancements, reported by Speedtest and Business Insider, are due to infrastructure upgrades by the Ministry of Communications and the Egyptian Telecom Company using fiber optic technology.