Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Starlink’s entry into Senegal introduces satellite broadband as a tool to expand connectivity in underserved regions, supporting national digital inclusion goals while raising challenges around affordability, regulation and ecosystem balance as the country works to integrate satellite internet alongside existing fiber and mobile networks.
The launch event in Kathmandu symbolically included representatives from five generations, underscoring NChat’s goal of digital inclusion and positioning the app as a unified platform for families, communities, and businesses across Nepal.
Bangladesh has launched e-learning in 12 schools across the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with plans to expand to 149 more institutions. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus acknowledged long delays in digital access and committed to scaling the programme nationwide, aiming to reach 3,500 schools.
ZIMSAT-3: Zimbabwe Bets on Satellite Connectivity
Zimbabwe is placing strategic emphasis on satellite technology to expand national connectivity through its third national satellite, ZIMSAT-3, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) covering the period from 2026 to 2030. The strategy positions ZIMSAT-3 as a key enabler of digital transformation, complementing national broadband expansion and improving access to digital services in both rural and urban areas.
According to the NDS2 document, the satellite will support efforts to strengthen nationwide connectivity and accelerate digital inclusion. The initiative aligns with broader government objectives to achieve universal Internet access across the country. In March 2024, authorities confirmed they were exploring partnerships with multiple satellite service providers to expand coverage and reduce service costs.
Beyond satellite deployment, the strategy outlines plans to expand digital infrastructure across Zimbabwe. These measures include extending high-speed fiber-optic networks to urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, expanding mobile broadband coverage, and deploying solar-powered digital kiosks in off-grid and underserved communities.
The government is also encouraging infrastructure-sharing agreements among telecommunications operators to speed up network rollout and lower the cost of Internet and digital services. This collaborative approach is intended to improve efficiency while maximizing the reach of limited infrastructure investments.
The increased focus on satellite connectivity reflects a broader trend across sub-Saharan Africa, where satellite technology is increasingly viewed as a practical solution for bridging the digital divide. The GSMA has noted that the region faces some of the world’s most challenging geographies for terrestrial networks, including deserts, rainforests, and mountainous terrain, making satellite-based solutions a critical complement to ground-based infrastructure.
Sama X has secured regulatory approval to deliver Starlink LEO satellite internet across Jordan, extending high-speed connectivity to remote and underserved areas. Backed by Alghanim Industries, the initiative supports digital government services, enterprises, and communities, aligning with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision and national digital inclusion goals.
PTA has started issuing district-level class licences for internet services to boost broadband access and local entrepreneurship. The 10-year licences come with defined fees and align with wider government efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and advance Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda.
Orange will sponsor the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 for the 17th consecutive year, delivering connectivity, AI-powered digital fan experiences through its Max it super-app, and inclusive physical Fan Zones across Africa. The initiative reinforces Orange’s commitment to innovation, youth development, and accessible football for communities across the continent.
Bangladesh’s internet usage rose to 48.9 percent in 2025, up from 44.5 percent in 2023, according to a BBS survey. While mobile phone access is nearly universal, gaps persist in smartphone ownership, internet use, and gender and urban-rural access, highlighting uneven digital inclusion.
Telecel Faso has begun deploying 300 telecom sites across Burkina Faso under a government project to connect 750 underserved areas. The initiative aims to reduce the digital divide, expand rural and urban coverage, and strengthen Telecel’s market position amid national digital transformation efforts.
Safaricom and Standard Bank are investing $138 million to accelerate Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure rollout, supported by Vodacom’s increased stake. Safaricom now serves 62 million users regionally and 10.1 million in Ethiopia. The partnership aims to expand digital and financial inclusion, empower communities and position Ethiopia as a rising tech powerhouse.