Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan is set to launch 5G pilot projects next week in major cities after raising $510 million in a spectrum auction. The initiative, confirmed by IT Minister Shaza Fatima, aims to boost internet speeds from 4 Mbps to 20 Mbps, with full commercial rollout in provincial capitals expected mid-2026.
NeutraDC and F5 are collaborating to launch managed AI connectivity services in Indonesia. By integrating F5’s security and application delivery into NeutraDC’s data centers, the partnership aims to support complex AI workloads and multi-cloud architectures, enhancing infrastructure reliability and security for enterprise customers navigating the country’s evolving digital landscape.
PM Adviser Rehan Asad has unveiled a 30-year ICT roadmap for Bangladesh, prioritizing high-speed connectivity, digital sovereignty, and AI adoption. Key initiatives include free airport Wi-Fi by Eid, a review of 2025 telecom policies, and a crackdown on illegal devices to attract FDI. The plan aims to create 1 million tech-related jobs.
Pakistan raised $507 million in its inaugural 5G auction, with Jazz, Ufone, and Zong acquiring 480 MHz of spectrum. The move doubles national capacity, heralding faster 4G within months and 5G rollouts by late 2026. Notably, Pakistan also became the first Asian nation to eliminate right-of-way charges for fiber.
Oman has digitized 2,000+ government services, driving a 78% surge in digital transactions for 2025. Ranking 18th globally for digital growth, the Sultanate aims for the digital economy to reach 10% of GDP by 2040. This transformation, central to Oman Vision 2040, emphasizes ICT investment and national workforce development.
Business Line is enabling UAE enterprises to meet 2026 mandatory e-invoicing requirements by integrating automated, SAP-powered compliance solutions into their digital core, ensuring seamless real-time reporting to tax authorities.
ARY Digital Network acquires a majority stake in digital newsroom Nukta, integrating the platform into its broadcast and online ecosystem to expand digital journalism in Pakistan.
Pakistan is advancing its digital transformation through the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025, establishing new governance bodies, launching a national AI policy, strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, expanding submarine cable connectivity, and accelerating broadband deployment. The government also aims to digitize public sector operations and protect citizens’ digital rights.
The partnership represents a significant consolidation of adtech power in emerging markets, linking one of the world’s most used utility apps with a comprehensive digital transformation suite. For Truecaller, the deal provides the localized sales and technical infrastructure needed to scale its global ad business, while AnyMind Group strengthens its position as a dominant player in the regional mobile marketing landscape.
The alliance represents a strategic shift toward AI-centric telecommunications in Northern Africa, backed by global infrastructure expertise. By pooling resources and sharing best practices, the participating operators aim to leapfrog traditional development stages and establish a robust digital economy powered by high-speed connectivity and automated intelligent systems.