Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Flutterwave has acquired Mono to integrate open banking and financial data infrastructure into its payments platform across Africa. The move enhances bank-based payments, identity verification, and fraud reduction while positioning open banking as a foundation for future payment innovation.
Reliable LEO satellite connectivity has been introduced on Gabon’s passenger trains through a partnership between Eutelsat OneWeb and Airtel Gabon, supporting national digital transformation goals, improving passenger experience, and extending broadband access to rail routes beyond terrestrial network coverage.
Orange MEA’s agreement with CAF enables mobile-only access to selected Africa Cup of Nations matches via its Max it app across 13 Sub-Saharan African markets. The deal reflects a broader push toward mobile-centric content distribution while reinforcing Orange’s long-standing association with African football and regional fan engagement.
Algiers will host the 4th African Startup Conference with over 25,000 participants expected, bringing together African ministers, startups, investors, and global experts under the theme “Fostering African Champions.” The event will promote innovation, investment, and cross-border collaboration, with Rwanda as guest of honour.
The Algiers Declaration on Digital Platforms in Africa has been adopted as a new framework to regulate global online streaming services, including AI platforms and social media networks. Announced by Algeria’s Minister of Post and Telecommunications, the declaration aims to establish unified regulatory standards across the continent. It is intended to strengthen digital governance, protect consumer rights, and reinforce Africa’s digital sovereignty as global platforms continue to expand their influence in regional markets.
Africa’s smartphone market grew 24 percent in Q3 2025, rebounding strongly after five quarters of decline. Transsion, Samsung, and Xiaomi led the market as stabilising currencies, expanded financing, and improved retail activity lifted demand. South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya saw major gains across both entry-level and premium segments. However, Omdia expects a 6 percent decline in 2026 as rising costs and currency pressures strain affordability, particularly in the low-end 4G category.
The UAE has launched a US$1 billion “AI for Development” initiative to support AI-driven growth across Africa. Managed by ADEX, the program will fund projects in key sectors like education, agriculture, and infrastructure to strengthen digital ecosystems and improve government services. The initiative aims to accelerate sustainable development, deepen UAE–Africa partnerships, and expand economic resilience across the continent.
MTN and Microsoft are partnering to bring AI-enabled digital tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot to millions of users across Africa, advancing digital inclusion, skills development, and secure productivity.
Cassava’s new CAIMEx platform gives African mobile operators a single, locally compliant gateway to the world’s top AI and LLM models, unlocking new digital services, operational efficiency, and AI-powered innovation at scale.
Morocco Telecom achieved 1.2% revenue growth to MAD 27.27 billion (USD 2.95B) in the first nine months of 2025, supported by African subsidiaries and broadband demand, offsetting local market pressures.