Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Egypt’s mobile wallet sector saw an 80% increase in transactions in Q2 2025, reaching 718 million, with a total value of EGP 943 billion. Active wallets rose to 46.3 million, led by Vodafone Cash. NTRA introduced new fraud-prevention rules and approved remittance services to boost adoption and security.
Starlink has launched its corporate internet service in Bangladesh, with Eastern Bank and 20 other firms signing up. The world’s largest Starlink ground station in Gazipur will power the service, while Robi becomes the first reseller. High costs could restrict uptake, but the service promises to transform rural connectivity.
A GSMA report warns Bangladesh’s high spectrum costs and heavy taxation are holding back 5G adoption and network investment. By aligning spectrum prices with regional or global levels, the country could accelerate 5G rollout, raise speeds, and unlock up to $45 billion in economic growth by 2035.
Qatar has suspended Talabat’s services for one week after finding the delivery platform guilty of misleading practices and consumer protection violations. Authorities cited deceptive product descriptions and failure to ensure service guarantees, while Talabat pledged cooperation and launched an internal review to resolve the issue.
North Africa is rapidly embracing 5G, led by Tunisia’s pioneering launch and Egypt’s nationwide rollout in 2025. With Algeria and Morocco preparing deployments, the region is on track to accelerate digital transformation, attract investment, and drive socio-economic growth through innovation in smart cities, logistics, and digital services.
Algeria has signed a $300 million agreement with Nigeria to export two million Algerian-made payment terminals, boosting its presence in Africa’s digital technology market. The deal reflects Algeria’s push to strengthen local manufacturing, advance regional integration, and support Africa’s transition to digital financial solutions.
Dubai Media has tapped Comcast Technology Solutions to build its new end-to-end streaming platform, covering the full content lifecycle and powering channels like Dubai TV and Dubai Sports. Launching in late 2025, the initiative leverages CTS’ Cloud Video Platform to modernize Dubai’s media ecosystem and expand its digital reach.
Vodafone Qatar will offer Apple’s iPhone 17 series, new Apple Watches, and AirPods Pro 3, with pre-orders opening on September 12 and availability starting September 19. Customers can purchase online or at major Doha malls, and will also receive a two-year extended local warranty on eligible Apple devices.
Absa Group has expanded its partnership with AWS to accelerate cloud adoption, positioning itself as a cloud-native bank delivering secure, agile, and personalized services. The collaboration will modernize infrastructure, boost innovation, and extend community impact through initiatives like Women in Tech, which will provide AWS training to 150 women across five African countries.
CMC Networks has named Mahesh Jaishankar as Managing Director, tasking him with leading the company’s strategy around AI-driven connectivity across Africa and the Middle East. Backed by his leadership experience at Google, du, and Arthur D Little, Jaishankar’s appointment follows center3’s 2024 acquisition of CMC and signals a bold push into AIOps-led innovation.