Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
The ITU, GSMA, and UNHCR are expanding the Connectivity for Refugees initiative to connect 20 million displaced people and host communities by 2030. The program, active in Chad and five other African nations, integrates refugee needs into digital infrastructure plans and promotes inclusive, sustainable connectivity.
The Digital Cooperation Organization launched DEN 2025 at WSSD2 in Doha, offering the most comprehensive view of global digital progress. Covering 80 nations, the report highlights inclusion, sustainability, and AI readiness, urging collective action to accelerate equitable and environmentally responsible digital transformation.
Bangladesh has approved a SIM-lock smartphone installment policy allowing telcos to sell devices on flexible payment plans, expanding access for low-income users and accelerating digital inclusion while ensuring fair competition and consumer protection.
Afghanistan’s telecom sector has achieved 80–85% network coverage, connecting 26 million users through new public and private telecom sites — a key step toward nationwide digital inclusion.
Mozambique has made 5G rollout mandatory in all provinces and scrapped its spectrum auctions, shifting to an administrative model to drive faster, more secure digital inclusion.
Egypt’s Ministry of Education, UNICEF, and Akelius have launched a two-year partnership to expand digital and inclusive education for 7,500 children. The initiative will train 450 teachers, upgrade learning spaces, and integrate the Akelius digital language app across Egypt.
Ethio Telecom has introduced low-cost cloud smartphones under the Znexus brand to make 4G access affordable and close Ethiopia’s digital divide. By moving processing to the cloud, the devices reduce costs and power needs while providing access to popular apps. The launch, alongside a new Cloud Workspace service, supports Ethio Telecom’s 2028 digital strategy to reach 99% 4.5G coverage and expand into cloud-driven business solutions.
MTN Nigeria plans to extend its fiber network to 8 million homes by 2028, supporting the national broadband plan and boosting digital inclusion. The project tackles connectivity gaps through local partnerships and policy alignment with the NCC.
The Digital Nation Summit KL 2025 brought together ASEAN policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to shape trusted, inclusive, and AI-ready digital futures. With the ASEAN Report 2025 launch, high-level panels, awards, and exhibitions, the summit spotlighted sustainability, innovation, and women’s leadership in driving regional digital transformation.
The World Bank has launched the $100 million Digital Zambia Acceleration Project to expand broadband access, e-government services, and digital skills development. Targeting women, youth, and vulnerable groups, the project supports agriculture, health, and education sectors, while aligning with Zambia’s Vision 2030 and broader regional digital integration goals.