Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Oman is using satellite technology to monitor pipelines, support oil rigs, and detect new oil and mineral reserves. Deals with Omantel, Astranis, and Airbus support connectivity and exploration. The country has attracted billions into its space program to diversify an economy still heavily reliant on oil.
Astranis has secured a nine-figure deal with Oman’s MB Group for a small GEO broadband satellite, part of a $200 million digital infrastructure push. The satellite will launch this summer alongside four others on a dedicated Falcon 9, supporting Oman’s economic diversification and expanding Astranis’ global footprint.
Botswana’s first satellite marks a turning point in Africa’s space journey. BOTSAT-1 strengthens national security, boosts agriculture, guides rural connectivity, and builds local engineering capacity. It positions Botswana as a serious player in the continent’s $22bn space economy while accelerating data-driven development across sectors.
China has launched Algeria’s AlSat 3A Earth-observation satellite aboard a Long March 2C rocket, advancing bilateral space cooperation. The mission supports Algeria’s land planning and disaster management goals and forms part of a broader program delivering satellites, ground systems, and technical support.
Algeria has launched its third Earth observation satellite, Alsat-3A, enhancing national mapping and resource management, while Senegal plans a second satellite in 2026. Together, the moves highlight Africa’s accelerating space ambitions, with over 21 countries now running space programmes and more than 120 satellites in development.
AST SpaceMobile has delayed its satellite launches due to manufacturing and antenna challenges but remains commercially strong, with major deals involving Verizon, STC, and Vodafone. The company has $1B in contracts and may join Europe’s IRIS2 constellation.