Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
UM6P and STATION F have launched the NextAfrica program to support startups focused on Greentech, Agritech, and Healthtech. This collaboration aims to bridge Europe and Africa, providing mentorship, funding, and resources to international startups looking to enter African markets. The program will foster innovation and address key regional challenges.
Iraq has partnered with Vodafone to launch a fully government-owned 5G network, aiming to enhance telecom services, reduce costs, and create job opportunities for youth. The initiative, backed by Vodafone’s global expertise, will foster economic development and improve network management skills among young Iraqis.
Ncell has received an “A” rating from ICRA Nepal for a Rs 22.60 billion loan, reflecting the company’s strong financial health despite revenue declines. The rating highlights Ncell’s steady profitability, strong management, and effective cost control strategies. The telco maintains a dominant market share in data services.
SOHAR Port and Freezone launched a specialized training program focused on Port Community Systems (PCS), aiming to enhance Oman’s logistics digitalization. In partnership with IPCSA, the initiative offers training on design, governance, and implementation of integrated PCS solutions, contributing to Oman’s vision of a smarter supply chain.
Scale AI, backed by Amazon, is expanding into the Middle East with plans to open an office in Riyadh and establish a presence in the UAE. The company aims to capitalize on the Gulf’s growing AI adoption and strengthen regional ties, contributing to the region’s digital transformation.
Nokia has partnered with Ooredoo Oman to deploy a high-capacity DWDM network to meet the demands of hyperscalers, AI, and cloud platforms. This collaboration will enhance Oman’s digital infrastructure, enabling low-latency connectivity and establishing the country as a key regional hub, with services launching in March 2025.
Omantel has partnered with Shaffra Technology Labs to develop AI and metaverse solutions, hosted on Omantel’s cloud services. This collaboration aims to enhance operational efficiency for Oman’s government and private sectors, supporting the country’s digital transformation. The partnership aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and Omantel’s goal of technological leadership.
Bangladesh’s telecom operators lost 3.65 million mobile subscribers and 2.2 million internet users during the July-August uprising, according to the BTRC. The largest losses were seen by Banglalink and Robi Axiata. The reasons behind the significant drop in subscribers remain unclear.
Digital Health, a subsidiary of Dialog Axiata in Sri Lanka, has launched an AI-powered health scan service through the Doc990 App. This innovative tool allows users to monitor vital health indicators such as blood pressure and heart rate directly from their smartphones, promoting accessible healthcare and preventive care.
Robi Axiata reported its highest-ever profit for 2024, with a 119% increase in profit to Tk703 crore. The company also proposed a 15% cash dividend to shareholders, marking its largest payout since 2020. Despite challenges, Robi continues to invest in digital infrastructure and maintain a strong 4G network.