Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Thawani Pay has partnered with Network International to expand credit card capabilities and accelerate digital payments in Oman. The agreement follows Thawani Pay becoming the country’s first fintech to secure a Visa issuing license, supporting Oman Vision 2040 and strengthening financial inclusion through secure, scalable card infrastructure.
Oman’s mobile market has surged in global rankings as regulatory reform, competition, and heavy 5G investment doubled median speeds and expanded coverage to 91%. With 6,671 5G sites and strong subsea redundancy, the country now outperforms many Gulf peers in speed and network resilience.
Kenya is accelerating its digital economy through fiber expansion, public Wi-Fi, and youth programs in Kirinyaga County. Over 102km of fiber now links all sub-counties to government networks, while digital skills initiatives and the Ajira program are preparing thousands of young people for global online work.
Zain Kuwait has achieved a regional first by reaching 31 Gbps in a real-world 5G-Advanced test. Using advanced spectrum and carrier aggregation, the milestone demonstrates readiness for ultra-high capacity, low latency, and next-generation digital services, positioning Kuwait at the forefront of future connectivity.
Jordan’s internet usage reached 95.6% in 2024, surpassing Arab and global averages. Daily use stands at 94.8%, with 11 million users nationwide. Mobile and smartphone adoption continues to rise, while landlines decline. The survey highlights rapid digital transformation across households, devices, and connectivity platforms.
Orange Jordan topped Jordan’s 2025 DSBO network performance test, achieving the highest scores in both mobile voice and data. The nationwide drive test covered nearly 8,000km using advanced Rohde & Schwarz equipment, validating Orange’s investments in network quality, reliability, and real-world user experience across cities and highways.
Meska AI’s Spark Vol.2 convened Egypt’s AI ecosystem, urging enterprise-ready innovation and stronger stakeholder alignment. The event saw Meska sign a strategic partnership with PTS Holdings, opening investment and venture studio access for startups. The focus shifted from novelty to real business value and scalable AI adoption.
Robi Axiata has partnered with PUBG Mobile’s Rising Star tournament to engage Bangladesh’s gaming community and showcase Robi Supernet’s low-latency performance. The nationwide competition culminated in a Dhaka finale, positioning gaming as a real-world use case for demonstrating network quality and digital lifestyle alignment.
Orange Corners Bangladesh has launched its next phase for 2026–2028, expanding incubation, ecosystem engagement, and investment pathways for youth-led ventures. Implemented by YY Ventures, the programme has already supported over 70 startups nationwide and will deepen its focus on young founders, women entrepreneurs, and regions beyond Dhaka.
Floward has launched the Floward Card in Bahrain with SimpliFi, INFINIOS, and Mastercard, transforming cash gifting into a digital-first, prepaid card experience. The initiative aligns with Bahrain’s fintech leadership, blending thoughtful gifting with secure, flexible payments for a modern, personalized way to give.