Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Zong has partnered with ZTE to introduce affordable 5G smartphones in Pakistan ahead of the February spectrum auction. The initiative includes entry-level and gaming devices, bundled plans, and BNPL schemes, aiming to boost readiness for 5G adoption as operators prepare for heavy investment and rollout obligations.
Zain Kuwait and Box Hill College Kuwait sign MoU
KUWAIT – Zain Kuwait and Box Hill College Kuwait (BHCK) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a strategic partnership focused on youth empowerment, education, innovation, social responsibility, and employment. The agreement supports national talent development and reinforces education’s role in building a digital knowledge economy.
The MoU was signed at Zain Innovation Campus (ZINC) at the company’s Shuwaikh headquarters, in the presence of Zain’s Chief Corporate Affairs and Relations Officer Waleed Al-Khashti and Box Hill College Kuwait President Dr. Ali Arifa, alongside officials from both sides.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between the private sector and academic institutions, aligning educational outcomes with market needs—particularly in technology and innovation—and empowering the next generation of leaders for a digital future.
Waleed Al-Khashti said the cooperation connects knowledge with application and equips students with the digital and professional skills Kuwait’s economy requires through training programs, real-world experiences, and impactful partnerships. He emphasized that integrating the roles of the private sector and academia is central to building a digital knowledge economy and shaping a more prosperous future.
Dr. Ali Arifa described the agreement as a pivotal milestone for the College, expanding opportunities that link higher education with practical market needs in Kuwait. He noted that partnering with a leading national telecom and technology company opens new avenues for students and researchers to benefit from advanced expertise, quality training, and joint initiatives, including shared events, conferences, and workshops.
The collaboration aligns with Zain’s approach to deepening academic partnerships, creating practical pathways for students and graduates through training, joint projects, and national talent programs. Box Hill College Kuwait continues to enhance its academic and practical outputs through strategic partnerships that prepare graduates to compete effectively in the market.
Mastercard has announced new partnerships with STC Bank in Saudi Arabia and MEPS in Jordan to expand digital and cross-border payments. The collaborations enable faster international transfers via Mastercard Move and introduce Click to Pay for e-commerce, strengthening secure, transparent, and frictionless payment experiences across both markets.
Orange Jordan topped Jordan’s 2025 mobile network benchmarks, achieving the highest scores in both voice and data performance. Independent drive tests covering 8,000 km confirmed superior in-motion connectivity, reinforcing the operator’s leadership in service quality and its role in advancing the Kingdom’s digital transformation.
The PTA has launched a new facility allowing overseas Pakistanis to protect their SIM cards during long stays abroad. By coordinating with operators and meeting basic usage or payment requirements, subscribers can retain their numbers. The authority also warned against scams and urged responsible SIM ownership.
Woliz has raised $2.2m to build an AI and fintech platform that digitises neighbourhood retail in Morocco. The startup empowers small merchants with enterprise-grade tools for ordering, sales tracking, and financial access, aiming to expand across African markets facing similar retail and credit challenges.
Nepal Telecom has approved a Rs 30 per share cash dividend from its FY2024/25 profits. The company posted Rs 3.819bn in revenue and Rs 600m in profit, with management signaling potential bonus shares ahead, as it prepares for capital needs tied to the MEGA project and rising data demand.
Nepal Telecom has cancelled a Rs5bn billing system tender, removing Huawei as the country prepares for standalone 5G. Officials cite procurement law flaws and competition concerns, while critics point to geopolitical pressure. The move follows corruption probes and signals a shift away from long-standing Chinese technology partnerships.
Pakistan’s education ministry and Tech Valley have partnered to roll out Canva for Education nationwide, giving K–12 institutions free access to premium creative tools. The initiative combines secure digital access with a “Canva Champion” training model to build long-term teaching capacity and accelerate digital, innovative learning across public schools.
Oman has invested $8.8bn in transport, logistics, and digital infrastructure, driving rapid sector transformation. The funding has expanded ports, cargo capacity, and public service digitization, strengthened workforce localization, and improved execution of major projects, reinforcing Oman’s position as a regional logistics and digital hub.